Dear Lady Buff,

It is with great pleasure that I write to you as the new Head Coach of the West Texas A&M University Lady Buff Basketball Team. I understand the pride and tradition that is embedded in the Lady Buff program, that YOU were instrumental in building, and it is my commitment to you and your former teammates to continue the winning traditions that WTAMU is so known for.

In early August, the legendary Bob Schneider decided to retire after 25 tremendous years of coaching the Lady Buffs. This coaching transition was not one that was taken lightly, and believe me, I understand that change is hard. I also am an alumnus of a traditionally rich women's basketball program at Texas Tech and just last April our university and program went through the very same change. I'm telling you this because I understand the apprehension you have with this change, but I want to re-assure you Lady Buff basketball is all about the people who put on the uniform, and it is my hope to celebrate and honor that achievement.

I am no stranger to West Texas women's basketball. I grew up in Coach Schneider's camps, worked his camps in the summer, coached some of you in AAU, and have admired your play as a Lady Buff. I appreciate the dedication and commitment you placed in this program and your heart that is its very foundation.

It is my hope that we will not only carry on those standards that you before us have set, but also honor your hard work and perseverance by remembering you and your teammates on an annual basis. I would like to personally invite you to, "Lady Buff Night", on February 24, 2007, and introduce you and all the former Lady Buffs at halftime of our Midwestern game.

Beginning at 4:00 pm, we will hold an Ex-Lady Buff Reception in the Buffalo Room at the First United Bank Center, where you and your teammates, along with family members, can reunite and reminisce before tip-off at 6:00 pm. At halftime, each former Lady Buff will be recognized at center court, so I hope you can join us for a night to remember on February 24th.

Please RSVP by February 19th by calling Tyler Dongen at 806-651-4404 or emailing him at tdongen@wtamu.edu. We need your name, the years you played, and the number attending the reception. We can provide you with up to four tickets for the basketball game, so please provide the number of tickets you need as well.

Thank you again for your commitment to Lady Buff Basketball and it is my hope that I can meet you in person on February 24th when we honor YOU at Lady Buff Night.

Sincerely,

Krista Gerlich
Head Women's Basketball Coach

P.S. Our database is extremely limited with updated information on former Lady Buffs. PLEASE spread the word to any former Lady Buffs that you are in contact with and invite them to come. We are excited about showing our Lady Buff PRIDE!