HOUSTON (March 20, 2008) – The Houston Comets have promoted Laurie Byrd to Assistant Coach, it was announced today by Head Coach & General Manager Karleen Thompson. In this position, Byrd will focus on skill development of guards, scouting and player assessment.

In 2007, Byrd joined the Comets as Director of Player Personnel. Her WNBA experience includes three years as assistant coach for the Detroit Shock, beginning with the 2003 season during which the team won their first WNBA Championship.

"Laurie was an obvious choice for assistant coach because she has vast knowledge of so many elements of basketball,” said Coach Thompson. "She consistently made contributions to the Comets that exceed her former position.

Prior to the WNBA, Byrd was assistant coach with the University of Detroit Titans women's basketball team for five seasons.

Coach Thompson added, "Byrd is seasoned and her approach to coaching is very similar to my own – she's a player's coach. She's a great teacher and leader. Her experience is so diverse that I know she can advise in every aspect of the game."

Byrd's professional player experience includes seasons with four teams – American Basketball League's San Jose Lasers and Atlanta Glory, and Women's Basketball League's Kentucky Marauders and Chicago Spirits. Internationally, she was a member of teams in Italy, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

Collegiately, Byrd set and still holds single-season records for points and assists, single game scoring and shooting percentage accumulated during her time at Eastern Michigan University. She is also an honoree in the Eastern Michigan University Hall of Fame.

In 2001, Byrd was named to the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in recognition of her extensive athletic ability, including accolades in basketball, track and volleyball. An active member of her community, she coached the 2006 Paradise Christian Academy fifth-grade and high school boys.

A Flint, Michigan native, Byrd is the daughter of Joe and Rose who share ownership and management of Joe Byrd Boxing Academy where they train amateur and professional boxers. She has two sisters Tracy and Kay, and brothers Joe, Timmy, Ronnie, Patrick and Chris, a professional fighter who defeated Evander Holyfield for the International Boxing Federation heavyweight title in 2002.

Bird holds a bachelor's degree in human services from the University of Detroit Mercy.

The Houston Comets begin their inaugural season in Reliant Arena on May 27 at 7:30 p.m. against the Minnesota Lynx. Season and group tickets are available for purchase by calling 713-627-WNBA. Learn more information about the Houston Comets by visiting www.houstoncomets.com.