Nancy Darsch Obituary: Nancy Darsch, who guided the Ohio State ladies’ b-ball group to the 1993 NCAA title game and proceeded to mentor in the WNBA, incorporating with the Washington Mystics, kicked the bucket Nov. 2 in Plymouth, Mass. She was 68.
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She had Parkinson’s sickness. Brian Agler, who trained with her at Seattle in the WNBA, said her family educated him regarding the passing.
Ms. Darsch started her school instructing profession as a partner at Tennessee under Pat Summitt. Ms. Darsch drove the Buckeyes for a very long time, from 1985 to 1997, gathering a 234-125 record and showing up in the NCAA competition.
Ohio State went 28-4 during the 1992-93 season and lost to Texas Tech, 84-82, in the NCAA title game.
Nancy Darsch instructing the Washington Mystics in 1999.
Nancy Darsch instructing the Washington Mystics in 1999. (John McDonnell/The Washington Post)
“Nancy was a pioneer, mentor and coach. I was fortunate to have such a mindful and kind mentor,” previous Ohio State star Katie Smith said in an assertion. “She adored what she did and the individuals she imparted it to. Continuously had a grin all over, a pleasant remark to make you snicker and an energetic punch on the arm. She will be profoundly missed.”
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After her stay in Columbus, Ms. Darsch went to the WNBA and was the debut mentor of the New York Liberty in 1997. She helped the group arrive at the WNBA Finals that season, just to lose to the Houston Comets.
Falling off a wretched first season in which they went 3-27, the Mystics employed Ms. Darsch in 1999. The group improved to 12-20 during her first season as mentor, yet she surrendered halfway through the 2000 season, with a 9-11 record.
“We weren’t meeting the objectives I set for myself or for the group,” Darsch said in an assertion at that point. “This group has the right to be in the end of the season games and I wish them well.”
She later filled in as an associate mentor with the Minnesota Lynx (from 2003 to 2005) and the Seattle Storm (2008 to 2013). She helped the Storm win the WNBA title in 2010.