TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Ashley McElhiney, the first woman to coach a men's pro basketball team, has been hired as director of basketball operations for the Alabama women's team.<br>
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McElhiney, 23, joins first-year coach Stephany Smith's staff after a one-year stint as head coach of the Nashville Rhythm of the American Basketball Association.<br>
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McElhiney guided the Rhythm to a 21-10 record and a berth in the ABA playoffs in their inaugural season. She left the same week the Rhythm owners declined the playoff berth.<br>
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``I have always been impressed with her and hoped to have the opportunity to hire her,'' Smith said. ``She is a very driven person with a positive demeanor and a true passion for the game of basketball.''<br>
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A former Vanderbilt point guard, McElhiney ranked second nationally in assists as a senior and finished as the school's all-time leader.<br>
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``It is exciting to be back in the SEC, and I look forward to being a part of such a talented and experienced staff,'' McElhiney said.<br>
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(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
