One day after leading the NC State women’s basketball team into the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, the Wolfpack’s Wes Moore has been named NCAA Division I National Coach of the Year for 2021 by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association.
Moore was chosen by a vote of his colleagues around the country. He will receive the Pat Summitt Trophy, named in honor of the late Tennessee coaching legend for whom Moore once served as an assistant.
“Respected and well-liked by his peers, Wes is a winner,” WBCA executive director Danielle M. Donehew said in a statement announcing Moore’s selection. “He was a college basketball player and has continued his love of the game through coaching. He has won at every NCAA level throughout his very successful career.
“He is a talented teacher who pushes his student-athletes to realize their full potential in basketball, the classroom and life. Wes was chosen for this honor after leading his team to an exceptional season. The WBCA recognizes and applauds his leadership example that can be seen in his student-athletes, institution and community.”
Now in his seventh season with State, Moore has led the Wolfpack to back-to-back ACC Tournament championships for the first time in school history.
This year’s team, which is 22-2, defeated two teams ranked No. 1 in the nation this season and went undefeated at hope while earning the top seed in the NCAA’s Mercado Region. State will take on either Indiana or Belmont on Saturday following early round victories against NC A&T and South Florida.
Moore, who was named ACC Coach of the Year by his fellow coaches, has compiled a 190-64 (.748) record during his tenure with the Wolfpack. His 748 career wins rank eighth among active NCAA Division I women’s basketball coaches.
“I appreciate this special honor because it carries the WBCA name and represents all the great coaches that I respect so much,” Moore said. “I realize, in many ways, this is a team award, so I’d like to thank all of the unbelievable players we have at NC State, as well as the assistant coaches and staff that play such an important role in our success.
