Wyatt Looks to Continue Winning Ways at SPC

Ryan Rigdon, staff writer

It looks like another exciting year of basketball for the South Plains College Lady Texans.  Just ask new Head Coach Michelle Wyatt. 

As a former college basketball player at Abilene Christian University and Wayland Baptist University, she brings to the court a wealth of knowledge and experience.  After graduating from Wayland, she went on to earn a master of science degree at Texas Christian University.  She later served as an assistant coach at Hutchinson Community College for a year and then returned to Wayland Baptist to coach there for four years. 

Wyatt had served as the Lady Texans’ Assistant Coach under the tutelage of longtime head coach Lyndon Hardin since 2000.  Last year’s team posted a school-record fourth place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament.  Wyatt has helped guide the Lady Texans to a 133-54 record during her tenure.  This year, she will take the reigns of a talented program and try to make another legitimate run at the national championship.  This is Wyatt’s first head coaching job, but she is more than ready for the challenge.  She looks to build on the coaching philosophies of Coach Hardin, but also has a few tricks up her sleeve. 

“I believe that my coaching philosophies are similar to his (Hardin’s), but there will probably be a few differences as well.” Wyatt said.  “For example, Coach Hardin liked to work the shot clock, and I look for us to run the court a little more.” 

Wyatt said this year’s Lady Texan team is very athletic and will look to capitalize on the ability to be physical, hopefully turning that into fast-break opportunities and easy baskets.  When asked about the team’s strengths, Wyatt said, “Our strengths have to include our athleticism and size.  We do have good talent and having four returnees from last year’s team means that we have the experience to go with it.”  

The Lady Texans will have to use these strengths if they want to bring home a title and live up to the expectations of the fans and coaching staff.  But will they be able to improve on last year’s success?  Coach Wyatt seemed upbeat. “Of course we a shooting for it, Wyatt said.  “Last year was special.  If we work hard and take things day by day, then we will be successful.” 

If you have met Coach Wyatt, it is easy to realize that she has a passion for the game.  What is vitally important to know also is that she has a passion and a commitment to her players and students. 

“My biggest motivation as a player was that I loved the game and the team environment,” said Wyatt.  “As a coach, I am able to influence kids’ lives and teach them things that will stay with them forever.  Team atmosphere is key, and it helps them in life.”