Coach to Coach: Suzanne Fox's Letter to the New Winningest Coach, Coach Z

In mid-January, Texas State women’s basketball head coach Zenarae Antoine became the program’s all-time winningest coach. The victory was memorable, but even more special as the person she passed for the record was sitting courtside to witness it all.

Former head coach Suzanne Fox is an analyst for Texas State basketball games on ESPN+. As with many wins before, she was front row to watch her successor. This time she was able to see a coach reach a wins threshold she had established.

Coach Fox shared her perspective on the milestone day but also reflect on what makes “Coach Z” so special, in a way only a fellow coach can see.

I remember when I met Zenarae Antoine for the first time - she was tall… well, very tall compared to me. 

I felt dwarfed by her presence, but it wasn’t her physical stature. I saw her eagerness, energy, and most importantly I could feel her passion and drive. 

It brought back memories of my first head coaching position almost 20 years prior and I just smiled. I knew Zena was in for a fun ride as she would take the program to another level.

I went to her first game as head coach, which was hard, as I had poured my heart and soul into the program over almost a decade and a half, but I knew it was time for “another voice.” 

I could tell watching her on the sidelines that she was anxious, and I know there were a million things going through her head. In your mind, you question yourself that you have prepared your players for every set, action, press, inbounds situation, etc. they will encounter, but on the outside, you exude confidence and composure.  

That was the first game of over 300 that I have now watched Coach Antoine mature into the outstanding coach she is today. 

She and I have distinct differences in our coaching philosophies – she is a more offensive-minded coach than I could ever be. I was all about defense and only taking “select” three-point shots. 

Coach Z recruited players such as Tosha Leavitt, Taylor Deer and Da’Nasia Hood that now fill the Bobcat record books and who brought an offensive punch to the program. I was captivated by her open offensive style and the freedom she gave players to play. Over the last couple seasons, I appreciate how she has integrated the “old-school” high low action into her potent offense. 

I have been fortunate to also witness Coach Z in practices which is where the real action happens. I remember seeing her raise her voice to give instructions and when a player did not perform at the expected level. She has a great balance of being demanding and hard-nosed, but she also can sprinkle in some humor and fun. I deeply respect her ability to relate to players and hold them accountable.  

Fast forward to January 2023 as Coach Z was approaching 175 wins. It was not a question of “if” but “when” she would pass me on list of all-time coaching wins at TXST. I actually cannot remember when I broke the record. As coaches, we don’t really pay attention to these types of things. So prior the game on January 12, I had a brief conversation with her during pre-game warmup (as we normally do) and mentioned to her about the post-game interview when they won. She did not want to talk about it. I smiled and laughed as Coach Z, like any great coach, was laser-focused on winning the game at hand. 

The ESPN+ interview after the game was two coaching friends talking. I know she is proud of the accomplishment, but this is not the time of year that she will spend dwelling on it. Coach Z and her 2022-23 team are very experienced-most likely the most mature team in the history of TXST basketball (thank you, COVID). She only has one focus: winning a championship. I know she will do it and I am honored that Zenarae Antoine took over the “coaching baton” from me. 

There is not a better person or coach to lead this program.