Oklahoma State University Athletics
Cowgirl Basketball Adds Carlene Mitchell To Staff
June 30, 2000 | Cowgirl Basketball
June 30, 2000
STILLWATER, Okla.- Carlene Mitchell, an assistant coach with the Western Illinois women's basketball program, has joined the Oklahoma State Cowgirl basketball staff, it was announced today, pending approval by the Board of Regents. Mitchell replaces Rae Rippetoe-Blair, who vacated her position at OSU to become head coach at the University of Texas at San Antonio.
"We're excited about getting Carlene as a part of our program," said OSU coach Dick Halterman. "What she's known for is her recruiting. She is well-respected as a recruiter by both the high school coaches and college coaches alike. She was able to bring in some kids at Western Illinois that took them from seven to 18 wins. She will be a big asset to our program."
Mitchell, who has been an assistant for Leslie Crane at WIU the last two seasons, served as the first assistant and recruiting coordinator for the Westerwinds. She began her collegiate coaching career at Missouri-Kansas City in 1997, and moved to Western Illinois after one season. Mitchell began her coaching career as a volunteer assistant coach at Junction City High School in Junction City, Kan., for the 1996-97 season.
"I'm very excited to get to work with Coach Halterman," said Mitchell. "He's well-respected across the country. This will be a good career challenge. I look forward to getting on the road and recruiting. We want to get some more high-caliber kids in here and get OSU back to the NCAA tournament."
Mitchell is familiar with the Big 12 after spending her final two seasons with the Kansas State Wildcats. While competing for KSU, she was honored as team captain during her senior year, averaging 5.5 points and 1.3 assists per game.
Prior to K-State, she spent her freshman season at Allen County Community College in Kansas, and was named the Kansas Jayhawk East Conference Freshman of the Year. Mitchell spent her sophomore year at Trinity Valley Community College in Texas, and was a part of the 1994 national championship team that finished with a 35-1 record.
A native of Dewitt, Ark., Mitchell earned her bachelor's degree in social science from Kansas State University in 1996.
