North Carolina State University Athletics
Former NC State Star Retires From WNBA
8/14/2000 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
"Coaching has always been a dream of mine and I couldn't pass up this opportunity. This decision was not easy for me, but I felt it was time to close one chapter in my life and begin another one," commented Manning.
"I would like to thank the Miami SOL for giving me the opportunity to end my career in one of the best organizations in the WNBA. I would also like to thank the fans for a memorable season of devotion and support for our team. Last, but not least, I want to thank my teammates for their support and encouragement. I love them and I wish them the best of luck. I look forward to working with and learning from Stephanie Gaitley at St. Joseph's University," she continued.
SOL Head Coach and General Manager Ron Rothstein is disappointed he will be losing Manning's veteran leadership. "I am proud to say that I got to know Sharon as a person as well as a player," he said. "It was a privilege to have been her coach. Her contributions to our team and the WNBA will be sorely missed. We wish her nothing but the best in her future coaching career. There is no question in my mind she'll be a great coach."
Manning, who was the Miami SOL's fourth pick (14th overall) in the 2000 expansion draft, played 24 games for Miami. She averaged 4.3 ppg and 4.2 rpg despite being hampered by a recurring right hamstring strain.
Prior to her year with the SOL, Manning was originally drafted by the Charlotte Sting in the second round (10th overall) of the 1997 WNBA Draft. She played three years for the Sting, averaging 4.9 ppg and 4.2 rpg. The Emporia, Va. native spent nine years playing overseas in Italy and Spain after graduating from NC State in 1991.
