Where Are They Now?

The individual accolades and successes that former Arkansas Lady Razorbacks standout basketball player Blair Savage-Lansden achieved during her steady, if not spectacular, four-year career from 1989-93 are all well and good. However, the way Savage-Lansden sees it, her athletic accomplishments pale in comparison to other things that have helped her steadily transition from student-athlete to graduate assistant coach, assistant coach and now head coach of Memphis University. At the same time, Savage-Lansden is also managing to juggle her role as a wife and mother of twin daughters. "People will always tell you that while you're in college those are some of the best years in your life," Savage-Lansden said. "Competing at that level (Division 1 women's basketball) and with the teammates we had ... it was a great time ... being part of the Lady Razorbacks program. "But, I wouldn't be where I am today without my education. And, I will always be grateful to the University of Arkansas for giving me that opportunity. It's just unbelievable what you take away from it." Specifically, Savage-Lansden recalled "the friendships" that are developed while also recognizing the growth as a young adult in "learning how to manage your time," and making it a home away from home by taking an active role in "community service projects with Arkansas Athletes Outreach." "It (Fayetteville) is a great city, a great institution (University of Arkansas) and there are a lot of great people there," Savage-Lansden said. There may be a special place in her heart for Northwest Arkansas and the Lady Razorbacks. Nonetheless, Savage-Lansden has been devoted to the Lady Tigers hoops program for almost the entire time since her graduation in '93 and is set to begin her fourth year as head coach. "It's going really well," she assured. "I have a great husband (Memphis University Assistant Athletic Director for Development) who understands the demands of a coach's job. My mother and mother-in-law are here too and able to intervene (to help with the two young girls). "I love what I'm doing. It's a challenge every day, but it's rewarding. I think things are coming together." Savage-Lansden seems to have it all together. And, she firmly believes the foundation that was built during her time in Fayetteville is a big reason for it.