KELSI BOND

The now former assistant coach for the Fresno State women’s basketball team is the new head coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State, a Division II program also called the Bulldogs. It’s Bond’s first head coaching job at the collegiate level. Her Lady Bulldogs finished 8-19 last year, and have 10 of its 12 players returning next season. Kelsi spoke with VSP’s George Takata about her new job, moving back to her home state, and how much she’ll miss being a Fresno State Bulldog.

GEORGE TAKATA: What does this opportunity mean to you?

KELSI BOND: It’s a huge opportunity, especially to go back really close to my hometown (Canton, Ok.). It’s 45 minutes from my family. It’s a great university. It’s the conference that I actually played in (for Cameron), that Coach Wiggins and the rest of the staff pretty much came from, so it’s a great opportunity and a huge experience.

GT: Do you go in there feeling pretty comfortable with it because you’re going to be closer to your parents and you’ve played in that league?

KB: Slightly. Obviously I’ve got to get my feet wet and figure out what the team looks like and what I need to recruit and bring in but it’s slightly comfortable for the simple fact that my family’s right there. I know so many people in Oklahoma. It’s like a homecoming.

GT: Is it kind of like a dream job at this stage of your career?

KB: Oh definitely at this stage. It’s a huge opportunity. It’s kind of a shock in a sense. But I’m thrilled. I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunity. I’m very saddened to leave here. This is a great place and I’m really going to miss my girls. I call them my girls. They’re like my kids. I’m going to miss them.

GT: What has this experience at Fresno State helped you with in regards to getting your coaching career going?

KB: You know, especially with the new administration, they’ve really helped. They’ve put in a lot of policies and procedures and it really helped me be organized. It helped me out a lot when I was the Director of Basketball Operations. This year, being the assistant, I learned different roles, so Coach Wiggins has given me different duties each year which I think has helped me to be well-rounded. When I went in for this job I feel like I’m very ready, very prepared, thanks to Fresno State.

GT: It’s fitting that you’re still going to be a Bulldog so that’s always nice right?

KB: Yeah. I can’t complain!

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