POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — The College of the Ozarks Lady Cats defeated their final opponent, Oakland City University Mighty Oaks, and claimed the NCCAA Division I Women’s Basketball National Championship on March 18. The Lady Cats faced tough opposition against the Mighty Oaks, leading the end of the first half by only a few points. However, the Lady Cats entered the second half in full force and hit the Mighty Oaks hard, earning a victory with a final score of 86-63, and taking home their first ever National Championship.
“I am most happy for our team and our program,” said Becky Mullis, coach of the College of the Ozarks women’s basketball team. “They have endured a lot of trials, so for them to earn a championship is gratifying for me. Our seniors have endured COVID-19 protocols, not getting to play most of that season, leaving the NAIA, etc., so I’m really happy for them to end their careers on a positive note! They led our team so well, continuing the high expectations of Lady Cat basketball, and taught our younger players what it means to wear OZARKS across their chest.”
Jordan Wersinger, senior human and molecular biology major from Springfield, Missouri, received NCCAA National Championship Tournament All-Tournament Team honors and was named the National Championship Tournament Most Valuable Player.
“Winning the national championship was a dream come true and something every player works for from the day they pick up their first basketball,” Wersinger said. “Winning with this team was so special because of the relationships we have built both on and off the court. It is a memory none of us will ever forget.”
“I am proud of Coach Mullis and each member of the Lady Cat basketball team,” said Steve Shepherd, athletic director and coach of the College of the Ozarks men’s basketball team. “I have seen the level of dedication these ladies put in to develop into a great team. They are a relentless bunch who compete to win every time they step on the floor. Winning a national championship takes teamwork, unity and skill. The Lady Cats had all three. The team has a leader in Coach Mullis who role models character and competitiveness. Nobody works harder than Coach Mullis in preparing her team to compete each game. I know I speak for the athletic department when I congratulate the Lady Cats for a job well done. They have made us proud!”
About College of the Ozarks Women’s Basketball Team
The College of the Ozarks Women’s Basketball Team was founded in 1979 and has had a strong name in the field of athletics since then. The Lady Cats have competed in the NAIA national Tournament 27 times and played in the championship game five times (2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, 2014), finishing second each year. The Lady Cats basketball team has had many 1000-point scorers and several All-Americans. Record seasons for the Lady Cats would include 2005-06 (Record-33-2), 2006-07 (Record-34-3), 2007-08 (Record-35-2), 2008-09 (Record-29-6), 2011-12 (Record-33-4), 2013-14 (Record-27-10).