The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
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40 ■ THE WOLFPACKER WHEREARETHEYNOW? "Back in 1994, when I was in Charlotte for the NCAA Final Four, I'd written in my journal that one day I wanted to be the coach and general manager of the to-be-named new WNBA team there," she recalled. "Then in 2001 I got a call from Anne Donovan, who'd I'd known since she played at ODU, asking me to come to Charlotte to be her main as- sistant and director of scouting for the Sting." Lacey coached with the now-defunct WNBA team for four years, taking over the coaching from Donovan in 2002 and being named assistant GM in 2003. She left the Sting in 2005, staying in Charlotte to start a business and coach Queens University (2008- 2010) before returning to the pro ranks a final time to serve as coach and GM of the Wash- ington Mystics from 2009 to 2012. "Having that experience, taking over two teams that were rebuilding, working both sides of the ball [coaching and managing], working with the best athletes in the world — very few people have that opportunity," she noted. "Looking back at the opportunities I've had to expand and diversify my skills, they're some that very few people experience in a lifetime." Balancing her duties as AD at Johnson & Wales with interests that include running her own professional consulting firm (Lacey & Company), participating in non-profits (including the Kay Yow Cancer Fund) and filling "down time" with running, biking, ten- nis and golf, the 58-year-old Pack basketball legend admits she's carrying on one legacy left by her legendary coach. "Coach Yow left a video for her players that was shown at her funeral, challenging us to be kinder, gentler versions of ourselves," Lacey said. "I'm working on that. I've been involved in the community here in Charlotte for more than 15 years, and I want to continue to give back. "I also want to use basketball as I have, as a vehicle for success for others, to inspire people, to build leaders, particularly to em- power women to be and do anything they desire. In a way, I am carrying on the things that Coach Yow left as her legacy, but I also want to leave one of my own. "I hope these things I'm doing now are a part of that." ■ Lacey (middle with black shirt) was honored with Al Heartley (red sweater), the first African- American men's basketball player at NC State, during the Clemson game Feb. 20, 2016. Lacey was the first African-American four-year scholarship female athlete at State. PHOTO COURTESY NC STATE MEDIA RELATIONS Transportation Planning Environmental Planning Civil/Site Planning & Design Hydraulic Design & Permitting Roadway/Bridge Design Structural Design & Inspections Construction Observation Contract Administration/Surveying ALL SERVICES 559 Jones Franklin Road Suite 164 Raleigh, NC 27606 (919) 851-8077 www.wetherilleng.com wei@wetherilleng.com SURVEY ONLY 1209 Floral Parkway Suite B Wilmington, NC 28403 (910) 799-5682 WE Design Your Tomorrow