New Vision for Women’s Basketball
This year, Bluefield University athletics hired Markell Cox as the head coach for women’s basketball. Cox comes to BU from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he was the head coach for women’s basketball for two seasons. A long and extensive reputation of being able to recruit both locally and internationally and rebuild programs is what attracted BU to hire Cox.
“You must sell yourself, sell the environment, and most importantly, you must sell the people,” Cox said. “I think Bluefield has a lot to offer as far as people go.”
His extensive experience from the past 11 years has transformed him into the coach he is today. His past coaching jobs include the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Cincinnati Christian University, Urbana University, Clark State Community College, and Southeastern Illinois College. His tremendous resume has put him in a position to be a successful coach – a type of coach that BU is looking for. Diversity in the coaching world is crucial; his success at all levels, including NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA, helps a program with such variety as BU.
“Every level has a special purpose,” Cox said. “Every place has helped me along my journey to the next stop. All of the experience runs together. Although the university has changed, the sport has not changed, but the game continues to evolve. Every stop has helped me grow my experience.”
A fantastic tool coach Cox has to his advantage is assistant coach Andrea Stinson, a former WNBA All-Star and former North Carolina State standout. Coach Cox loves having her as a part of the coaching staff and looks forward to coaching alongside her this season.
“Her experience alone and what she has done in her career commands a room and group,” Cox said. “She speaks to the players from the highest level possible and gives stellar coaching to the group.”
Cox added that he hopes the BU community will come out and support the Lady Rams this season. He said the team should be fun to watch.
“Always come out and support your fellow student-athletes and the Athletic Department as a whole,” Cox said. “We are going to play an exciting style of basketball. We would love for people to come in and pack the Dome for every home game.”
The Lady Rams had a tough start to the season as they dropped the first four games, but have since won three of their last five (as of 11-25-22). The team hopes the recent winning momentum will set the tone for the rest of the season.