Maryville University women's basketball assistant coach Max Ethridge was selected to the prestigious Women's Basketball Coaches Association "Thirty Under 30" special recognition program for 2023-24. The award was established to honor 30 of the up-and-coming women's basketball coaches age 30 and under in the sport at all levels of the game.
 
"I am incredibly grateful and honored to be recognized by the WBCA," said Ethridge. "It means a great deal to me to be included on this list of outstanding coaches in women's basketball. I am thankful I have had the opportunity to learn, grow, and coach under some great coaches. It is such a privilege to be in this profession, to serve our Maryville student-athletes, and help grow our game during such an exciting time."
 
Ethridge was a crucial member of the Saints coaching staff as Maryville recorded 19 victories this season, the highest total since 2013-14. He helped Maryville set a new program mark for Great Lakes Valley Conference victories as the Saints won 15 league games. The Saints also finished fourth overall in the GLVC and earned its highest overall finish since the 2012-13 season.
 
Ethridge coached four All-GLVC selections this season, including first-teamer Carsyn Fearday. In addition, he helped Antoinette Mussorici set the Maryville career scoring record as well as surpass the 2,000-point milestone for her career. The Saints also had four selections to the Collegiate Sports Communicators Academic All-District team.
 
Ethridge will be recognized during a special program at the Women's Basketball Final Four Thursday, April 4, in Cleveland, Ohio.
 
The criteria to be eligible for the award include:
Must be age 30 and under and a WBCA member. Recipient must turn 30 prior to April 1st of the current season.
Nominator is required to submit a description of why the nominee is deserving of this recognition. Description to include:
Community service involvement
Mentorship and impact on others
Professional manner and attitude
Professional association involvement