High expectations emerge for returning UMKC women’s basketball coach

  Returning UMKC women’s basketball coach Candi Whitaker comes in with high expectations from university leadership and sports faculty during her introductory press conference on April 10.

  After coaching at the university from 2006-2012, Whitaker is returning to UMKC. 

  With over ten years of experience at Texas Tech, Missouri Western and North Alabama universities, Whitaker now plans to elevate the program with her newfound knowledge.

“She’s going to raise our program to levels we’ve never seen before,” said Chancellor Dr. C. Mauli Agrawal. 

  Athletics Director Dr. Brandon Martin said that they did a “targeted search” in order to “transform the program” when it came to hiring Whitaker. 

“I just believe this place can be really special,” said Whitaker. “When your leadership wants to win, half the battle is won.”

  Whitaker made it clear Friday that she believes in the possibilities the women’s basketball program offers and in the leadership supporting her. She showed immense confidence in what she brings to the table at UMKC. 

  With such confidence, Dr. Martin set the bar just as high. “Whitaker is going to make history here,” said Dr. Martin.  

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