Semeka Randall Lay facts for kids

Semeka Chantay Randall-Lay (born February 7, 1979) is a well-known figure in women's basketball. She is currently the head coach for the Winthrop Eagles women's basketball team. Before becoming a coach, Semeka was a talented player in both college and professional leagues. She has also worked as an assistant coach at several universities.

Early Life and High School Basketball

Semeka Randall-Lay grew up in Garfield Heights, Ohio. She attended Trinity High School, where she was a star basketball player. She was recognized as a WBCA All-American. This means she was one of the best high school players in the country. She even scored seventeen points in the special WBCA High School All-America Game.

College Basketball Career

Semeka played college basketball for the University of Tennessee women's team, known as the Lady Vols. In 1998, her team had an amazing season. They won the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship without losing a single game, finishing with a perfect 39–0 record!

She was part of a famous trio of players called "The Three Meeks." The other two players were Chamique Holdsclaw and Tamika Catchings. Semeka was known for her strong defense, earning her the nickname "Hard to Handle Randall." Fans at a game against UConn even gave her the nickname "Boo" because they booed her so much!

Semeka was named to the Kodak All-American First Team in 1999 and 2000. She was also on the Associated Press All-American Second Team in those same years. She finished college early, graduating in December 2000 with a degree in Speech Communications.

Playing for Team USA

Semeka also played for the USA Basketball Women's Junior National Team.

1996 Junior World Championship Qualifying Tournament

In 1996, her team played in a tournament in Mexico. They won most of their games but lost to Brazil, earning a silver medal. This helped the USA team qualify for the 1997 FIBA Junior World Championship.

1997 FIBA Junior World Championship

The team then went to Brazil for the 1997 FIBA Junior World Championship. They had some tough games, including a loss to Australia. However, they bounced back and beat Russia, who had been undefeated. In the gold medal game, they faced Australia again. The game was very close and went into overtime. The USA team won 78–74, earning the first gold medal for a USA team at this championship. Semeka was unfortunately injured and could not play in this event.

1998 William Jones Cup

In 1998, Semeka was part of the USA team that played in the William Jones Cup in Taiwan. Her team won all five games and took home the gold medal. Semeka was the top scorer for her team, averaging 10.6 points per game.

Professional WNBA Career

Semeka Randall-Lay joined the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) in 2001.

Seattle Storm and Utah Starzz

She was chosen by the Seattle Storm as the 17th pick in the 2001 WNBA draft. She played for the Storm until she was traded to the Utah Starzz during the 2002 season.

San Antonio Silver Stars

When the Utah Starzz team moved to San Antonio, Texas, they became the San Antonio Silver Stars. Semeka continued to play for them. In her last game of the 2004 season, she set a team record by making eight steals. After that game, Semeka announced she was retiring from the WNBA. She decided to become an assistant coach at Michigan State University.

Playing Overseas and in Other Leagues

Like many WNBA players, Semeka also played basketball in other countries during the off-season.

• In 2001–02, she played in the Israeli Professional Basketball League. She started all 16 games and averaged 19 points.
• The next year, she played in the Greek Professional Basketball League, also starting all 16 games.
• In 2003, she was part of the Tennessee Fury team in the National Women's Basketball League. She averaged 12.2 points per game as a shooting guard.

Coaching Career Highlights

Semeka Randall-Lay began her coaching journey as an assistant.

Assistant Coach Roles

• Her first coaching job was at Cleveland State University during the 2002–03 season.
• In 2004, she became an assistant coach at Michigan State University (MSU). That season, the MSU team made it to the NCAA Women's Division I Basketball Championship game.
• In 2007, she was hired as an assistant coach at West Virginia University.

Head Coach Roles

• On May 9, 2008, Semeka was named the head coach of the Ohio Bobcats women's basketball team. She was very excited about this "dream job" in her home state of Ohio. She coached the Ohio Bobcats until March 2013.
• In May 2013, she became the new head coach for the Alabama A&M Lady Bulldogs basketball team.
• Currently, Semeka Randall-Lay is the head coach for the women's basketball program at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Awards and Recognition

• Ohio Ms. Basketball (1996, 1997) – This award is given by the Ohio High School Basketball Coaches Association to the best high school player in Ohio.

Career Statistics

WNBA Regular Season Statistics

WNBA Playoffs Statistics

College Statistics

Head Coaching Record