University of Oklahoma Athletics

Coale Becomes OUs All-Time Winningest Coach

Coale Becomes OUs All-Time Winningest Coach

January 08, 2004 | Women's Basketball

By: Athletics Communications

With a 70-51 Big 12 season opening win over Nebraska Wednesday night coach Sherri Coale started the New Year off right by becoming Oklahoma's all-time winningest women's basketball coach with 143 career victories. 

Coale is the only coach to have guided five Sooner teams, to post season action. Coale's 2002 squad became the Big 12's and OU's first to advance to an NCAA Final Four and National Championship game. That team also won a school and conference record 32 games along with the Big 12 regular season and tournament titles. 

McHugh took two teams to post season play, including OU's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in 1986.

“A lot of people helped establish this program, not just myself,” said Coale after the win. “Many players and coaches have helped along the way. We took a hit the first couple of years, but with the play of Phylesha Whaley, Stacey Dales, LaNeishea Caufield, Desiree Taylor and many other players we have establish Oklahoma women's basketball.  Jan Ross (assistant coach) has been here with me every step of the way, helping bring this program to where it is. 

“The country's perception has changed about Oklahoma because of the people surrounding me. We want to hang banners and win championships.  OU is now among the elite women's programs in the country.”

The Healdton, Okla., native tied former coach Maura McHugh's 142 career wins after defeating Wichita State, 89-50, on Dec. 30.

Coale's 62.2 winning percentage ranks second to McHugh's 67.0.
 
 

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