Candi Whitaker Explained

Candace Elizabeth Whitaker (née White; born April 22, 1980) is an American college basketball coach who is currently the women's basketball head coach at North Alabama.^[1] Previously, Whitaker was head coach at UMKC and Texas Tech. After playing college basketball at Texas Tech, Whitaker returned to her alma mater to fill the position after former coach Kristy Curry left to coach at Alabama.^{[2] [3]} In April 2019, it was announced that Whitaker was selected as the new head women's basketball coach at Missouri Western State University.^[4]

Coaching career

Kansas City (UMKC)

In the middle of the 2006-07 season, Whitaker was named the eighth coach in Kansas City Roos' history, replacing Bo Overton. She coached her first game in the Roos' conference opener, a 51-to-48 victory over Chicago State. She coached at Kansas City until the end of the 2011-12 year, compiling an overall record of 41-65. In her time at Kansas City, Whitaker led the Roos to two separate fourth-place Summit League finishes, in 2009-10 and 2011-12.^[5]

Texas Tech University

Following Kristy Curry's departure from Alabama on May 11, 2013, Whitaker was named the new head coach at Texas Tech University on May 20, 2013.^[6] On January 1, 2018, Texas Tech fired Whitaker.^{[7] [8]}

Missouri Western State University

In April 2019, it was announced that Whitaker was selected as the new head women's basketball coach at Missouri Western State University. She led Missouri Western to the 2022 NCAA Division II Elite Eight.^[9] Whitaker was also named 2024 MIAA Coach of the Year.^[10]

University of North Alabama

In March 2024, Whitaker was announced as the head coach at North Alabama.^[11]

Head coaching record

Whitaker became interim head coach in December 2006 following the resignation of Bo Overton.^[12]

Reflects 6 games (including 5 conference games) from 2007 to 2009 vacated due to league sanctions.^[13]

On January 1, 2018, Texas Tech fired Whitaker.^{[14] [15]}

Personal life

Whitaker married her husband Matt Whitaker in April 2007. They have three sons: Westin, William, and Callahan.

Notes and References

1. Web site: 2024-03-25 . Candi Whitaker named UNA Women’s Basketball Head Coach . 2024-03-28 . University of North Alabama Athletics . en.
2. Web site: Candace Whitaker Biography . . June 17, 2014.
3. Web site: Candi Whitaker . . https://web.archive.org/web/20170725105547/http://www.texastech.com/coaches.aspx?rc=905&path=wbball. July 25, 2017. live. January 20, 2018.
4. Web site: Candi Whitaker Named Head Women's Basketball Coach . GoGriffons Basketball.
5. Web site: WBB Record Book 2020 .
6. Web site: Former Lady Raider Candace Whitaker named new Texas Tech women's basketball coach (updated) . Tommy . Magelssen . . June 17, 2014 . May 20, 2013.
7. Web site: Texas Tech fires Candi Whitaker, Gray-Miller named interim coach . KJTV Fox 34 . January 1, 2018 . January 1, 2018.
8. Web site: Texas Tech relieves Whitaker of head coaching duties. Silva, Carlos Jr.. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. January 20, 2018. January 1, 2018.
9. Web site: 2022 Division II Women's Basketball Official Bracket NCAA.com . 2024-03-22 . www.ncaa.com . en.
10. Web site: Kennedy . Brett . 2024-03-05 . Missouri Western's Candi Whitaker wins MIAA Coach of the year, Connie Clarke wins Defensive Player of Year . 2024-03-22 . KQ2 . en.
11. https://whnt.com/sports/university-of-north-alabama/candi-whitaker-named-una-womens-basketball-head-coach-2/ "Candi Whitaker named UNA Women’s Basketball Head Coach"
12. Web site: Overton leaves UMKC mid-season to lead Sky. ESPN. June 21, 2016. December 13, 2006.
13. https://issuu.com/nikbusch/docs/2015-16_umkc_women_s_basketball_med 2015–16 UMKC Women's Basketball Media Guide
14. Web site: Texas Tech fires Candi Whitaker, Gray-Miller named interim coach . KJTV Fox 34 . January 1, 2018 . January 1, 2018.
15. Web site: Texas Tech relieves Whitaker of head coaching duties. Silva, Carlos Jr.. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. January 20, 2018. January 1, 2018.