BEAUMONT – Former Texas Longhorn standout Empress Davenport has been named assistant women’s basketball coach announced Robin Harmony Thursday morning.

“Empress was a great player for a perennial powerhouse at Texas,” said Harmony. “She brings with her some very strong recruiting ties in the state, especially from the Dallas area where she was a legend at Duncanville High School. She is a young coach who will bring a great deal of energy to our sideline.”

A four-year standout for the Longhorns, Davenport averaged nearly eight points, four rebounds and better than two assists per game during her collegiate career. The true definition of a student-athlete, Davenport was honored for her work both on the court and in the classroom where she earned honorable mention All-Big 12 honors, and second-team academic all-conference honors.

During her collegiate career Davenport was named a USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale National Player of the Week, Big 12 Player of the Week and was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll numerous times. She wrapped up her UT career by hitting double-figure points 32 times.

The Horns advanced to three NCAA Championships during Davenport’s time on campus and recorded three 20-win seasons, including 31 wins in 2015-16. Davenport was a huge part in the Horns’ 10-game turnaround as a sophomore.

Following her time in Austin, Davenport signed a contract with Alvik Basket, a professional team in Sweden. During her one season with Alvik, Davenport was the starting point guard where she guided her squad to the semifinals.

After a professional career overseas, Davenport returned to the U.S. to serve as an assistant coach with the Nike ProSkills EYBL. During her two years with EYBL, she conducted drills that helped improve athlete stamina, skills and performance. In addition to her work with EYBL, Davenport also served as a trainer for Full Throttle Basketball, where she created fitness plans for clients.

In addition to her work in athletics, Davenport has also held numerous jobs in business arena along with her role as coordinator of admissions at Faith Family Academy.

Davenport will be stepping into a position where she will be able to work with a veteran program. LU returns 10 letterwinners from last year’s Southland Champion squad that posted a 22-8 (.733) overall record and a near perfect 17-1 (.944) mark in conference play.