Ouachita WBB coach Garry Crowder to retire after 24 seasons

Ouachita Athletics
Nick Bushart, Sports Information Director

ARKADELPHIA – Ouachita Baptist University Director of Athletics David Sharp announced today that Garry Crowder, head women’s basketball coach, will retire from coaching after leading the women’s basketball program for 24 seasons.

“We want to thank Coach Crowder for his 24 years of service in leading our women’s basketball program. He has influenced and impacted many lives over the years, and his teams have competed and represented Ouachita in a respectable manner,” Sharp said. “Garry was a key figure in leading our women’s basketball program during the time Ouachita was making the transition from NAIA to NCAA Division II.”

Crowder will retire with a record of 352-313. He led Ouachita to two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances in 2008-09 and 2009-10. The 2008-09 team advanced to the Sweet 16. He was named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette College Coach of the Year following the 2008- 09 season.

“I have been deeply honored to serve as the women’s basketball coach at one of the finest private universities in America,” Crowder said. “The 24 years have been very special. I want to thank our administration for letting me serve.”
Prior to his time at Ouachita, Coach Crowder served 13 years as the head women’s basketball coach at Jessieville High School. His teams compiled a record of 339-74, winning 10 straight conference championships and finishing second in the state for Class A two times.

A search will begin immediately to fill the head women’s basketball coach position. All interested should contact Director of Athletics David Sharp at 870-245-5182 or sharpd@obu.edu