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University of Oklahoma head coach Sherri Coale announced her retirement Wednesday in a press release after 25 seasons, over 500 wins, three Final Fours, nine Sweet 16’s and 10 conference championships with the Sooners.
Coale goes out with the most wins in OU women’s basketball history and as a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. Throughout her career, she led the Sooners to 10 Big 12 championships (six regular season, four tournament) and 20 postseason appearances, including 19 consecutive NCAA Tournaments.
“Through much prayer and the gifts of a year that provided pockets of stillness most years never produce, I have amazing clarity. Basketball was my first and deepest love and coaching has been this wonderfully amazing life that I can’t believe they pay me for… Twenty-five years just feels right in my bones and in my soul.”
Coale finishes her career with a 512-293 overall record and a 253-168 mark in Big 12 play. She was honored as Big 12 Coach of the Year four times.
Coale’s decision comes after a 12-12 season in which Oklahoma missed out on the NCAA Tournament for the third-straight year.
Her legacy on the court continues through prominent players she’s coached, including four first-team All-America honors, six Big 12 Players of the Year and 14 WNBA Draft selections (six first-round picks). Seventeen of her pupils have also played professionally overseas.
“It’s never easy to leave no matter how great a thing you are running to, because something is always left behind. It’s hard to leave these players… This season will always be one tattooed on my heart.”
