Lady Cougars add hall of famer Takesha Watson to basketball staff

The Barton Community College women's basketball program has added Takesha Watson to its coaching staff as recently approved by the College's Board of Trustees.

The addition replaces the void left by former assistant coach Paige Lunsford in returning to her alma matter to continue coaching under Barton Hall of Fame member Tony Hobson at Fort Hays State University.

"We couldn't be more excited and fortunate to acquire a rising coach and young lady of Kesha's caliber," said Head Coach Alan Clark. "Her experiences during her stellar career as a player will be huge for our kids on an individual basis.  Kesha's strength as a recruiter at all levels, including the NCAA Division I level, will be of particular benefit to our program as will her dedication to excellence and determination to succeed serving as an inspiration to our team in achieving high levels of success."

Following a decorated and successful playing career, the former Oklahoma City University standout also brings three years of collegiate coaching experience to the Lady Cougar staff. 

A five year professional career in the United States and abroad preceded Watson's collegiate coaching career, beginning as an assistant coach at Montana Tech University (2013-14), Jayhawk Conference foe Garden City Community College (2015-16), and at Loyola University-Chicago (2015-16). 

Watson earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from OCU in 2004 and in 2012 became just the second women's basketball player in school history to be inducted into their Hall of Fame.

A two-time conference and national player of the year in her 2003 and 2004 seasons, Watson led OCU to a 142-7 record including four straight conference titles and four trips to the NAIA national championship game in capturing the 2001 and 2002 crown with two national runner-up finishes in 2003 and 2004.

Watson shattered the OCU women's program record book, finishing her career at the top of school charts in points (2,658), assists (675), steals (433), field goals (968 in 2,119 attempts), 3-pointers (238), and made free throws (484), Watson also set single season records in points (962), assists (179), steals (143), 3-pointers (106) and 3-point attempts (297).  Additionally, Watson set the single-game record in steals with 12 thefts in the Nov. 7, 2003, game against Doane College.

Starring at Millwood High School in Oklahoma City, Watson earned all-state and little all-city honors from The Oklahoman and the Oklahoma Coaches Association, capping her high school career leading Oklahoma to victory over Texas in the Oil Bowl Girls Basketball Classic.

Watson also has Barton ties through younger sister LaToya Jackson, an integral member of the 2006-07 Lady Cougar basketball team before continuing her career at Mercer University.