By Jackson Keenan
Sports Editor
Coach Kendra Foreman was named the Interim Head Coach of the Women’s Basketball team, having replaced Mark Morefield, who was coach until Jan. 24. Since then, Foreman has led her team to a 4 and 2 record with two games left in conference play, putting the Crusaders in a good position for the conference tournament.
Known as “Coach Kendra” by the team, she was a player under the former coach, earning the American Southwest Confrence West Division Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All ASC West-Division honors, graduating in 2017. She went on to become a graduate assistant at University of Texas at Dallas for two seasons before returning to her alma mater, and eventually becoming an assistant coach in 2021.
Although Foreman is familiar with the former coach’s style, she wants to put her own twist on coaching the team.
“Just playing hard every possession and leaving it all out on the court,” Foreman said. “I was very big on defense, so I want to show defense because it wins games and makes things a lot easier.”
This focus on defense showed its promise in the Cru’s Saturday game against the University of the Ozarks where the Crusaders held the Eagles to 39 points.
With that win, the Crusaders are tied for second place against East Texas Baptist University in the ASC standings. With two games remaining, the Crusaders are in a good position for the conference tournament.
“Basically, take it a game at a time,” Foreman said. “We control our own destiny, so we need to play each game as our last game.”
The players feel like they are in a good position to make something special and win, going into the conference tournament.
“I want us to win, we are in a position to win, as long as we stick together and we work together as a team and continue with our good energy vibes, we will continue to do well and go where we need to go,” sophomore wing Weade Adeleke said.
With the recent win and energy from the players, some fans feel like Foreman is doing a great job in her new role.
“I like the way she handles it now, she is much calmer and she just seem like she connects with the team,” said junior nursing major Khloe Luke.
The players also seem to have a positive relationship with the new interim head coach, especially junior guard Lauren Baker.
“I think she is great,” Baker said. “She is fit for the position. She knows what she is talking about,” Baker said.
Photo by Jackson Keenan/TheBells: Interim Women’s Basketball Head Coach Kendra Foreman analyzes her team during a game against Howard Payne University on Saturday, Feb. 4.
