Former women’s basketball coach returns to campus for fall season

By Allison Gappa, Sports Writer

There’s a familiar face on the sideline for the women’s basketball team.

Coach Latricia Trammell returned this semester to OCU from Western State in Colorado.

“It was a great experience,” Trammell said. “I met great people and coached wonderful student athletes, but Okla- homa is home.”

Senior Forward Lauren Goober will be one of the few members of last year’s team returning to the court for the Stars.

“She’s a very passionate coach who really knows the game and is dedicated to making each of us better every day,” Trammell said. “She’s also a very easy person to talk to off the court.”

Before coaching at West- ern State, Trammell was an assistant coach for the Stars from 2005-07.

“I absolutely loved my time at OCU as an assistant coach,” she said. “It was a great atmosphere. I’m thrilled to be a part of OCU as a head coach. I appreciate everyone’s support and hope to see new faces in the stands this year.”

Trammell has a difficult task—only four girls will return from last year’s team, which won the NAIA women’s title.

“I brought in six new play- ers,” she said. “It takes a little time when a new coach comes in, but they are catching on quickly.”

The team is working well together—both on and off the court, Goober said.

“The chemistry is surpris- ingly very good for having such a new team,” she said. “We have team dinners and hang out at each others apartments all the time.”

Trammell will make her debut Oct. 30 against Baylor, the defending NCAA national champions. Last year, Senior Center Brittney Griner led the Bears to a 40-0 season.

“I’m so excited to play Baylor. They won nationals last year and didn’t lose any players, so we can’t get any better competition than that,” Gober said. “Brittney Griner is my favorite women’s bas- ketball player, so getting the chance to play her is some- thing I won’t ever forget.”

Coach Trammell is equally excited to open up the season against the well- known Bears.

“It’s playing the best of the best, especially Brittney Griner,” Trammell said. “It will be a battle of the national champions.”

The Stars face off against Baylor at 7 p.m. at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.