Assistant coach joins Oregon State exodus, AD makes a statement
Oregon State assistant coach Kellee Barney join the exodus of those leaving the school’s women’s basketball program. After four players left the team in just a week’s time, the schools athletic director Bob De Carolis finally made a statement regarding the attrition.
We have received inquiries recently about the OSU Women’s Basketball program, based on concerns about the transfer requests from several players.
When students transfer out of programs, you are always concerned. Sometimes the concern is for the student and the challenges he or she is personally facing. Sometimes it is for the program itself. But as you can imagine, each student who is faced with this major decision to stay or transfer is feeling pressures from many areas. You can never make assumptions or jump to conclusions without further inspection. At the end of the year, all teams undergo a review and I want to assure you that we are in that process right now with regard to women’s basketball. I do want to assure all fans, students, faculty, staff, boosters and friends, that I am aware of your concerns and I am examining the status of the program and the welfare of our students.
Players who announced plans to leave the team this week:
- Leading scorer, junior Talisa Rhea
- Leading rebounder, sophomore Kirsten Tilleman
- Redshirt sophomore, Kassandra McCalister
- Freshman Kate Lanz
During the midseason, freshman Tayler Champion and redshirt freshman Amaya Gastaminza left.
Barney coached for two years under head coach LaVonda Wagner who is facing intense scrutiny by fans and alumni of the program. Wagner’s overall record at Oregon State is 68-87. She took over the program in 2005. Since then, 14 players have left the team.
Around the Web:
- Assistant coach latest to leave Oregon State women’s basketball team
- Oregon State reviewing women’s basketball program in wake of player defections
- Oregon State women’s basketball: Kirsten Tilleman leaves program; just six players remain on roster
