Sept. 16, 2011
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA. - Former Penn State Lady Lion standout Kathy (Phillips) Drysdale has been selected as the team's marketing manager, it was announced by Associate Athletics Director Greg Myford today. She will assume the position on Mon., Oct. 3. Drysdale, a member of the Lady Lions from 1988-92, returns to her alma mater as the marketing manager after four years as the women's basketball head coach and three seasons as the sports information director at Penn State-Abington.
Drysdale is responsible for all of the marketing efforts for women's basketball and also works closely with the Nittany Lion Kids Club and Code Blue student rewards program.
"The knowledge, experience and passion that Kathy brings to this position will translate into immediate and recognizable benefit for the Lady Lions and our fans," Myford said. "Coach Washington has a terrific vision of what she wants Lady Lion basketball to be, and Kathy's credentials make her an ideal candidate to help fulfill that vision."
Prior to her tie at Abington, Drysdale worked for the NBA's Philadelphia 76ers from 1993-06, spending her final seven years in game operations. With the 76ers, she managed game presentation, including dance team performances and in-arena contests. She also oversaw the implementation of several season ticket holder events, including a 1999 NBA Draft Party and the annual Beach Bash.
During her tenure at Penn State-Abington, Drysdale accumulated a 36-65 record as the women's basketball head coach while juggling sports information duties for 14 varsity sports. In her role as sports information director, she updated the athletics website, headed the department's social media efforts and organized game day set up and all athletics banquets. As head coach, Drysdale was instrumental in the success of Samantha Frick, who became Abington's all-time scoring leader with 1,494 points.
A standout for the Lady Lions, Drysdale is a member of the Penn State 1,000-point club with 1,295 career points. She also ranks 14th in career rebounding (717) and 10th in blocks (89). Drysdale played an integral part of Penn State's first-ever No. 1 ranking in the Associated Press poll in 1991.
Drysdale earned her degree from Penn State in general arts and sciences in 1992. She resides in Bellefonte with Dereck Lively and their son, Dereck Lively, II (7).
Lady Lion Basketball season tickets are available by calling 814-867-2557. Season tickets are $117 for adults, $52 for youth and $91 for seniors. The PNC Flex Books are available again this year for $99. The Flex Book gives fans 12 vouchers, including one for the Coaches vs. Cancer game and one for the Pink Zone game, that can be redeemed for Nittany Lion and Lady Lion Basketball tickets in any combination.
The Lady Lions are on Twitter. Follow sports information contact Kris Petersen (@ladylionsid) and the Lady Lions and coaches (@pennstatewbb) to get the inside scoop. The Lady Lions are also on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pennstateladylions.