Oklahoma State University Athletics
Candace Whitaker Joins Cowgirl Basketball Staff
April 07, 2012 | Cowgirl Basketball
April 7, 2012
STILLWATER, Okla. - Former UMKC head coach Candace Whitaker has joined the Oklahoma State women's basketball staff as the program's associate head coach it was announced today.
"My admiration for Coach Littell's character as well as his coaching ability are the primary reasons for accepting the position. Knowing the quality of the staff at OSU, it is exciting to join them in the program's continued success," Whitaker said.
Whitaker comes to Stillwater after compiling a 77-93 record during her tenure in Kansas City. This past year, she guided the `Roos to one of the most successful seasons in school history, finishing with a 22-12 record. UMKC advanced to the Summit League Tournament title game for the first time since 2005. Whitaker's squad capped the 2011-12 campaign with the program's first-ever appearance in the WNIT.
Additionally, UMKC's win total marked the first time the program eclipsed the 20-win mark since the 1991-92 season.
The 2009-10 campaign saw the `Roos post a 16-16 mark and earn their first-ever postseason berth with a trip to the inaugural Women's Basketball Invitational.
Whitaker produced three first-team all-league picks during her time at UMKC and also had 36 student-athletes receive academic all-conference recognition.
The Canyon, Texas native began her coaching career at Valparaiso, where she spent two seasons before joining the staff at UMKC as an assistant coach in 2004. Whitaker took over the program in December of 2006, becoming one of the youngest head coaches in the nation at 26.
Whitaker's move to Stillwater also marks her return to the Big 12 Conference where she spent two years as a player at Texas Tech under legendary coach Marsha Sharp. As the Lady Raiders' starting point guard, she directed the team to a pair of NCAA Sweet 16 appearances.
Prior to her stint in Lubbock, Whitaker played two seasons for current OSU head coach Jim Littell at Seward County (Kan.) Community College. She led the nation in assists during the 1999-2000 season and was also named an honorable mention NJCAA All-American.
"We are excited that Candace is joining the Cowgirl basketball staff. Her knowledge of the game and ability to communicate with players will make her a positive addition to the program," Littell said. "Her head coaching experience and ability to recruit makes the future of Cowgirl basketball very bright."
Whitaker received her degree in exercise sports science from Texas Tech and also holds a master's degree in sports administration from Valparaiso. She and her husband, Matt, have one child, Westin.
