FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 9, 2007

Missouri Southern Announces New Women's Basketball Assistant

Joplin, Mo. - Missouri Southern State University head women's basketball coach Maryann Mitts has announced the addition of Chris Kendrick to her staff of coaches. Kendrick replaces Wyketha Harrell who took an assistant coaching position at the University of Missouri - Kansas City.

Kendrick comes to Southern after serving as the athletic director, head coach for boys and girls basketball, as well as baseball, softball and track at Keytesville High School in Keytesville, Mo. He was also an instructor in physical education at the school.

Prior to Keytesville, Kendrick was the head coach of the freshman boys basketball team and an assistant with the junior varsity and varsity boys teams at Mid-Buchanan High School in Faucett, Mo. His first coaching and teaching stop was at Platte County High School in Platte City, Mo where he was the head coach on the freshman baseball team and was an assistant coach on both the 3A baseball and football Missouri State Championship teams.

Kendrick is a 2002 graduate of Missouri Western State University with a degree in physical education. He earned a masters in education with an emphasis in secondary administration from William Woods University in 2006.

"I am extremely excited to join the university and the staff of the women's basketball program," Kendrick said. "Coach Mitts and Coach Hubbard have built a successful, reputable program that I am proud to be associated with. Stepping into this position will be an exciting challenge, and one that I welcome."

While she hates to lose a coach with great ties to MSSU like coach Harrell, Mitts is excited to have Kendrick as part of the program.

"Chris brings a gamut of experience to our staff," Mitts said. "Not only does he bring an impeccable work ethic, but he brings immense enthusiasm for Missouri Southern and coaching at the collegiate level. Obviously Chris left a great situation to come to Southern and his skills as teacher will enhance our production on the floor during practice and game situations.

"Lastly, because of his experience as an Athletics Director, his administrative abilities will allow our staff to specialize more in areas that we have been anxious to explore in past years. We feel as though we are getting the whole package in Chris."

Kendrick and his wife, Becky have a daughter Emma, and are expecting their second daughter in November. He will begin his duties at Southern on August 14.

 

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