Oregon coach Bev Smith is bringing back a familiar face to fill the role of Director of Operations for the women’s basketball team.
Natasha Ruckwardt, who held the position from 2002 to 2007, took last season off to spend more time with her family. Velaida Harris filled the position last season but has since joined the coaching staff as an assistant coach to replace the departed Selena Ho.
Ruckwardt’s responsibilities include game scheduling, team travel, community relations, the organization and marketing of game day promotions and the day-to-day operations of the program.
The native of Adelaide, Australia played two years at Oregon from 1997 to 1999. In her final season on the court, she averaged 9.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and shot 41 percent from three-point territory.
“Tash’s passion as a Duck dates back to her student-athlete days, and she channels the same intensity, competitiveness and love of the game that she had back then into the work she now does for the Duck program,” Smith said in a media release. “Tash’s business and basketball background make her an ideal fit for our program. We’re happy to welcome back Tash and family!”
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