UMKC's Whitaker Accepts Position At Oklahoma State

University of Missouri-Kansas City head women's basketball coach Candace Whitaker has resigned from her position with the ‘Roos to become that Associate Women's Basketball Head Coach at Oklahoma State.

UMKC made the announcement of Whitaker's resignation Monday after she spent nearly six seasons at the helm of the program.

"We are very happy for Candace, she did a tremendous job building this program into what it is today, and leaves us in great shape for continued success," said UMKC Athletic Director Tim Hall in a press release, "We would love to keep her at UMKC for a long time, but this is part of college athletics. She is a rising star in the coaching world and we wish her and her family nothing but the best in the future."

Last season, Whitaker led UMKC to a 22-12 record, one of the most successful seasons in school history, and advanced to the program's first-ever appearance in the WNIT. During her six years with the ‘Roos, Whitaker tallied a 77-93 overall record.

"I am thankful to Tim Hall and UMKC for the opportunity to lead the women's basketball program for the last five years," Whitaker said, "While at UMKC, I have been blessed with great assistant coaches and talented players. The fan support has steadily grown which has meant so much to the program and to me personally. We have signed five skilled players, which we believe will move the program forward. My family and I have enjoyed the people of Kansas City and will always be a part of the UMKC family."

Prior to coaching at UMKC, Whitaker served as an assistant coach at Valparaiso for two seasons. While at Valpo, she helped the team to two straight Mid-Continent Conference Tournament championships, two NCAA Tournament berths and two 20-win seasons.

During her collegiate career, Whitaker played for current OSU head coach Jim Littell for two seasons (1999, 2000) at Seward County Community College in Liberal Kansas. After that she played two seasons at Texas Tech where she helped the Raiders to a pair of Sweet 16 appearances as their starting point guard. The Canyon, Texas native finished her career with more than 830 assists in four years of collegiate basketball.

Oklahoma State says it will be making any announcements concerning the coaching staff until the season is over.

The Cowgirls continue play in the WNIT tournament against Missouri State on Thursday at 7 p.m. in Stillwater.