Yvette Angel

Basketball Player and Coach

Generally considered the most talented (and most highly recruited) female basketball player ever produced by Western New York, Yvette Angel starred for Sister Maria Pares for four seasons at Sacred Heart Academy. Yvette averaged 23.9 points per game and was the backbone of a team which went undefeated during her career (as part of an overall record winning streak of 109 games). She also starred for the East squad at the National Sports Festival in Syracuse for three years running, Yvette was recognized as a Parade Magazine Second Team All-American in 1981.

Angel’s exploits led to a full scholarship to Ohio State University. She graduated in 1985 as the school’s fourth all-time leading scorer with over 1,400 career points, and as point guard, led the Lady Buckeyes to four straight Big-Ten titles and a final eight appearance in the NCAA tournament her senior year. Yvette was duly honored as an All-Big Ten selection for three seasons, and as an All-American.

After playing professionally one season in Spain, coaching beckoned. Angel was appointed full-time assistant coach at Notre Dame University in 1989, and she utilized her talents and intimate knowledge of the game to help spark a turnaround in the basketball fortunes at that esteemed school. Her experience in that role landed her a coaching position with the Sacramento Monarchs in the fledgling WNBA, a post she currently holds.