Gary Blair
Inducted:
2023
Stats
Born:
August 10, 1945
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Coach
Gary Blair is a distinguished figure in women's basketball, celebrated for his exceptional coaching career spanning high school and collegiate levels. Over nearly five decades, Blair amassed an impressive 852 career wins, underscoring his profound impact on the sport.
He led Texas A&M University to its first NCAA Women's Basketball Championship in 2011, culminating a season with a 33-5 record. Blair's coaching journey also includes significant tenures at South Oak Cliff High School, Louisiana Tech University, Stephen F. Austin University, and the University of Arkansas.
His leadership earned him multiple accolades, including induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023. Blair's legacy is characterized by his commitment to excellence, mentorship, and his transformative influence on women's basketball.
Blair's Awards
- NCAA Division I (2011)
- 2× NCAA Regional—Final Four (1998, 2011)
- SEC regular season (2021)
- 2× Big 12 Tournament (2008, 2010)
- SEC tournament (2013)
- Big 12 regular season (2007)
- WNIT (1999)
- 7× Southland regular season (1987–1993)
- 6× Southland Tournament (1988–1993)
- 3× Texas Class 4A High School (1977, 1978, 1980)
Career:
Coaching career
South Oak Cliff HS (1973–1980)
Louisiana Tech (asst.) (1980–1985)
Stephen F. Austin (1985–1993)
Arkansas (1993–2003)
Texas A&M (2003–2022)
Career Wins:
852
Career Losses:
348
Career Winning Percentage:
.710
NCAA Tournament Appearances:
16
NCAA Tournament Wins:
38
Final Fours:
2 (2011, 2014)
NCAA Championship:
1 (2011, with Texas A&M)
Conference Titles:
8
All-Time Coaching Record at Texas A&M:
552 wins - 220 losses