Langston University Women’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Vincent has accepted a position as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division II Purdue Northwest. A national search will be held to determine the next leader of Lady Lions basketball.
Vincent came to Langston University as the Associate Head Coach of the men’s basketball team under Chris Wright in 2022, helping lead the greatest single season turnaround in college basketball history. Their remarkable success included two Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) regular season and tournament championships, two NAIA national tournament appearances, a runner-up finish in the 2023-2024 season, and an overall record of 66-5.
After two years in the role, Vincent was selected as the Head Women’s Basketball Coach in 2024.
“We recognized Coach Vincent’s leadership potential while serving as the associate head coach on the men’s side of our basketball program for two seasons, and that continued when he began to serve as our women’s head coach,” Langston University Athletic Director Donnita Drain-Rogers said. “Coach Vincent’s passion for the sport of women’s basketball, recruiting expertise and the ability to quickly develop a winning culture are just a few reasons why he stood out when we were looking to fill our head women’s position in Spring 2024.
“His basketball IQ, recruiting expertise and leadership skills have been on full display these past two seasons leading the Lady Lions. He’s left his mark on the Lady Lions program in his short time here. We wish him well in all his future endeavors, and I’m looking forward to seeing him continue to blossom for years to come.”
In his two years leading the Langston University women’s basketball program, Vincent tallied a 55-9 overall record. He led the Lady Lions to back-to-back Sooner Athletic Conference regular season titles, one SAC tournament championship and two berths into the NAIA Women’s Basketball National Tournament.
During the 2024-2025 season, the Lady Lions advanced to the NAIA National Tournament Round of 16 and tied the program record for most wins in a season with 31. The Lady Lions finished with the No. 1 defense in the country and No. 2 in overall efficiency.
“Words cannot fully express the love and passion I have for Langston University,” Vincent said. “The past four years have been nothing short of historic and memorable, but even more importantly, life changing.
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to propel this program to an even greater place, not only winning four conference championships, tournament championships, and national championship appearances, but touching the lives of players, colleagues and alumni. The impact that has on Langston University surpasses any wins or losses.”
Vincent’s player accomplishments include two Defensive Players of the Year, two Newcomers of the Year, and one Sixth Woman of the Year. Additionally, he’s had three players named First Team All-SAC, two players named Second Team All-SAC, one player named Third Team All-SAC and two players named Honorable Mention All-SAC.
Langston University wishes Coach Vincent and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.
“Coach Vincent will be deeply missed,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said. “His dedication to Langston University basketball––on both the men’s and women’s sides––helped elevate these programs to an elite level. His service and mentorship extended far beyond the basketball court, leaving a lasting impact on the entire Langston University community. We wish him all the best at Purdue Northwest and continued success in all his future endeavors.”
Langston University Men’s Basketball Head Coach Chris Wright has accepted a position as the Head Men’s Basketball Coach at NCAA Division I program Alabama State University. A national search will be held to determine the next leader of Lion’s men’s basketball.
“Coach Wright’s impact on Langston University basketball has become legendary in just a few short years,” said Langston University Athletic Director Donnita Drain-Rogers. “The program, culture and championship level of play he created set the standard for small college hoops. I look forward to watching his impact on NCAA Division I basketball and celebrating his future success.”
In his four years at Langston University, Wright has amassed a record of 121-21, bringing a winning culture back to LU men’s basketball. His teams have made the NAIA National Championship Tournament each year, finishing in the Round of 16 in 2023 and 2025 and as the National Runner-Up in 2024 and 2026.
Wright’s time at Langston University has been highlighted with many historic moments. After inheriting a program that went 1-27 in the 2021-22 season, Wright engineered the single greatest turnaround in the history of college basketball when he took over the program in 2022. The Lions finished that season at 31-3 overall and climbed to No. 3 in the national polls. The program became the first ever HBCU to win the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season crown along with capturing the SAC Conference Tournament Championship.
His teams went on to win the SAC regular season title in 2022 and 2023, and SAC tournament championship in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
During his time at LU, Wright’s players conference accomplishments include 2 Players of the Year, 3 Newcomers of the Year, 2 Defensive Players of the Year, in addition to 6 players on the All SAC First Team, 3 players on the ALL SAC Second Team, 4 players on the All SAC Third Team, 6 All SAC Defense players and 1 All SAC Freshman. Nationally, five of his players achieved NAIA All-American status.
Most recently, during the 2025-26 season, the Langston University Lions achieved a 29-8 overall record, finishing as the runners-up in both the SAC regular season and conference tournaments and earning the Lions the 4 seed in the Liston quadrant of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament. They battled through five other teams before eventually falling to Freed-Hardeman University in the national championship game 76-71.
“Over the past four years so many people have poured their blood, sweat and tears into transforming Langston University basketball into what it is now, one of the most successful programs at any level of college basketball,” Wright said. “I am beyond thankful to all of you that have played a role in this incredible transformation. Leaving LU has proven to be the most difficult decision I have ever made in my life. To say that I love this place is a vast understatement.
“Ally, Reece and I are forever grateful for our time here. You have touched our hearts and have forever changed our lives. This is not a goodbye, but a, ‘See you later.’ L’s up.”
The program boasted a 3.14 team GPA in the Fall 2025 semester and was named a recipient of the NABC’s Academic Excellence Award. For his efforts in 2022-23, Wright was named the John Hudson SAC Coach of the Year, the NAIA National Coach of the Year by Hoopdirt.com and the Jack Bennett Man of the Year, which exemplifies winning with integrity.
Langston University wishes Coach Wright and his family the best of luck in their future endeavors.
“Coach Wright’s influence elevated not only men’s basketball at Langston University, but the institution as a whole,” President Ruth Ray Jackson said. “The expertise and passion he brings to the game is matched only by his care for our players and for their success beyond the court. I am proud of the four incredible seasons led by Coach Wright and his staff, and we wish him continued success at Alabama State.”
The Lady Lions knew they were about to make history.
With 20 seconds left in the fourth quarter, they led the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma Drovers 63-49. They just needed to run the clock out.
The entire bench was on their feet, and The Den was alive with excited anticipation. The cheering had already started, and the moment the clock ticked 0, the Lady Lions rushed onto the court and embraced their teammates.
For the first time in program history, they were the Sooner Athletic Conference Regular Season Champions. They were also the first Historically Black College or University to earn the title for SAC women’s basketball.
“It felt awesome,” said senior forward Ruth Sodipe. “Especially since it was senior night, it was the last home game of the season, so it was really awesome getting to do it in front of the fans and being able to celebrate and be happy with the girls.”
The team savored the moment in the minutes following the game, celebrating with each other and their families before heading down to the locker room. Then it was back to business.
A week later, the Lady Lions swept the SAC Tournament for another SAC Championship, also a program and HBCU first. Then they played in the NAIA National Tournament, making it all the way to Sioux City, Iowa, to play in the Round of 16.
The team played with such fierce determination and noticeable cohesiveness all season that one would think this was the culmination of four years playing together under Head Coach Chris Vincent. In reality, this was most of the Lady Lions’ first year at Langston University and Coach Vincent’s first year at the helm.
In his first year with the Lady Lions, Head Coach Chris Vincent led the team to two conference championships and a national tournament Round of 16 appearance.
Building an Elite Culture
Just three months after a last-minute national championship loss as assistant coach of the LU men’s team, Chris Vincent was hungry for another shot at a ring. He took over as head coach for the Lady Lions on June 15, and with only four girls returning from the previous season, he had six weeks to hire support staff and recruit players. Time was of the essence, but this was a step that couldn’t be rushed.
He needed to find coaches and players who would buy into Langston University’s “Be Elite” mindset, and that started with holding himself to an Elite standard as a recruiter. He spent hours scouring the transfer portal before hitting the road, traveling to several states to meet with players. He worked at all hours of the day and night, calling and messaging players while reviewing resumes for assistants.
“Those six weeks were exciting, but they were also very stressful,” Vincent said. “You know, just being by myself and trying to do it all. There was a lot of hours on the phone, a lot of isolated conversations in my office.”
Despite the ticking clock, Vincent made time to get to know each of the players he was asking to join his team and gave them an opportunity to get to know him as well. The future Lady Lions could already tell a difference between this program and others they had been a part of.
Sodipe was ready to join the team after Vincent flew to El Paso, Texas, and took the time to work out with her and talk about her goals. Diamond Richardson was set on Dear Langston after hearing Vincent speak so highly of the school then visiting the campus herself. Mikayla Woods committed to LU two days before school started after a long phone call with Vincent where they talked extensively about what she could accomplish with the team. Jordan Brown came because of the connection she felt with Vincent.
Jordan Brown committed to Langston University because of the coach-player connection she felt with Vincent.
“He saw my little highlight tape and reached out to me, and we really had a connection,” Brown said. “I never really had that coach-player connection at my last school like that, so it was really big on me to get that this year. So I talked with him, I came on a visit and I really thought he was genuine.”
Those initial conversations and connections attracted a lot of Vincent’s recruits to LU. It was clear he was passionate about basketball and determined to build a championship team, but it was also clear he cared about his players off the court. The same way Dear Langston considers the entire Lion Pride to be a family, Vincent wanted his team to be one, too. The Lady Lions were on board with that.
In August, Vincent brought in Ashley Bruner as assistant coach and E’Donis Harris as a graduate assistant. With a full staff and roster, he called the first team meeting of the year.
For Vincent, that first meeting was crucial to set the tone for the year. It was an opportunity for the players to get to know the coaches better, and it was a chance for them to begin to get to know one another, too.
They talked about each of their past experiences at other schools and in various programs. They opened up about injuries and everything they had been through, good and bad. As the meeting went on, they began to build trust with one another.
“We had to open up to one another, and I feel like that was big because in other programs, you kind of do that later on in the season,” Richardson said. “I feel like building that foundation, building that culture and identity from the jump rather than later was very important.”
Winning the Day
The Lady Lions strove to “Be Elite” and “Win the Day” during games, practice and off the court.
After that meeting, the Lady Lions got to work. Every day, they lifted weights, went to class and practiced in the evening. Even when Vincent gave them a day off to rest and recuperate, many of them still found their way to the gym, taking pride in calling themselves “Gym Rats.”
When their season opener arrived at the end of October, they trounced the Wiley University Wildcats 91-28. They swept their non-conference games but began their conference play with a 71-78 loss against Wayland Baptist University. It didn’t matter; they kept working.
One of Vincent’s catchphrases for the team was “Win the Day.” He told the players to take it day by day, one game at a time. Don’t let a bad game or bad practice stay with you; move on to the next day. When there’s a good game or practice, sit with it a moment and enjoy it, but then move on to the next day. He reminded them their goal was not to win any single game, but to win a championship.
“If you can set yourself up to try to reach that goal of excellence, of being elite, it’s just going to make you such a better player and a better person,” Vincent said. “That’s kind of what our culture is, and that’s something that we really stress. And they’ve really bought into it.”
The Lady Lions strove to Be Elite and Win the Day, and they held themselves and one another accountable to that standard.
In practice, when one person made a mistake, their teammates would give them pointers and encouragement to fix it. The coaches were patient but firm, and the player herself would drill it until she got it right. In the locker room at halftime, they didn’t wait for the coaches to come in and tell them what they needed to work on; they told each other. After wins, they celebrated in the locker room before pivoting to focus on their next game.
As the season went on, they continued to grow closer as a team, players and coaches alike. It showed in how they played.
Lady Lions Superfan Renee James (right) cheered the team on all season as they continued to improve and grow closer together.
Renee James, an LU alumna and decades-long Lady Lions Basketball fan, said it was evident from her seat in the stands how close the team had grown and how much they trusted one another. Sometimes they would start a game slow, but then they’d regroup, talk to one another and the pieces would fall into place.
“They are so awesome,” James said. “They want to be together, and they work so well together. I love watching them play. I love their energy. They make watching women’s basketball fun!”
After their loss to Wayland, the Lady Lions went on a 19-game win streak, which included a rematch with Wayland at home. They lost to Texas Wesleyan University on the road but bounced back with a 64-61 win against the Rams two weeks later. They were 22-2 in conference play for the regular season.
The Lady Lions knew their team was special from the beginning. Winning the SAC Regular Season Championship and SAC Tournament Championship just confirmed for everyone else what they already knew.
When asked what set their team apart from the others, Sodipe said it was their competitiveness. Brown said it was their persistence. Richardson said it was their commitment to playing together. Woods said it was their winning culture.
“We’re very unselfish, and we’re really versatile,” Woods said. “We have a lot of different pieces, and I just feel like our chemistry is great, even off the court. We’re cool off the court and have a great time off the court, and I feel like that helps us on the court.”
Mikayla Woods was named a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association NAIA All-American and an NAIA Second Team All-American, the first NAIA All-American selection for the Lady Lions since 2022.
Heads Held High
Though their season did not end in a national championship, it did end in success. The Lady Lions ended their season 31-3, tying the record for most single season wins in program history. Several players earned accolades throughout the year, including Woods who was named a Women’s Basketball Coaches Association NAIA All-American and an NAIA Second Team All-American, the first NAIA All-American selection for the Lady Lions since 2022.
After the team’s hard fought Round of 16 loss in Iowa, there was a more somber atmosphere in the locker room than there had been all season. Many fought to hold back tears and others let them flow, not just upset about the end of their national championship pursuit but also about the end of their time playing together.
Coach Vincent looked around the room at the young women who had become a family this season, and he told them to hold their heads high. They had played hard. They had accomplished so much. They had made history.
“I want you all to know, I wouldn’t trade any of you for anything else,” Vincent told them. “I’ve come to not only love coaching you but also loving you as people. I want you to remember, this family is something no one can take from you. Keep your head up.
“I love you guys, all right.”
The Lady Lions made history as the first team in program history to win both the SAC Regular Season Championship and SAC Tournament Championship.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Vincent as the head women’s basketball coach for the Langston University Lady Lions.
“Coach (Chris) Vincent was a standout candidate during our rigorous interview process. Out of 54 applicants he blew our focus committees away with his attention to detail, preparation and determination to prove that he could meet some of our expected competencies within weeks of being hired,” Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers said. “His previous background working in the WNBA and extensive work with player development made him the perfect choice to lead our women’s basketball program.”
Vincent most recently served as the assistant coach for the Langston University men’s basketball program under current head coach Chris Wright. During his short time on Coach Wright’s staff the men’s basketball program has experience unparalleled success which includes the 2023-24 NAIA National Championship runner-up finish, back-to-back Sooner Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships and boasting a 66-5 mark during that time.
“I’m really excited, I’m at a place that I love, I know how it operates day-to-day and I know the success we’ve had on the men’s side the last two years, we’ve really established the culture that I think can translate to women’s basketball,” head women’s basketball coach Chris Vincent said. “Being 15 years in this business, in a variety of different roles at different programs I’ve taken bits and pieces to help mold myself and prepare myself for this moment. I’ve had other head coaching interviews in the past, but I just felt like this was the right time, the right move at the right place. You have to love where you are, I love Langston and I know deep down this program can be a national contender year in and year out.”
Wright said Vincent has been a key component in the Men’s Basketball Team’s accomplishments over the last two seasons.
“There is no way we have the success we’ve had without Chris Vincent. He has been instrumental in every single aspect of our program, as an assistant coach you often do not receive the credit you deserve and it’s true in this case,” head men’s basketball coach Chris Wright said. “Coach Vincent is a tremendous coach and even better person. I have no doubt that he will build the Langston women’s basketball program into a nationally elite program.”
The first-year head coach began his coaching career at the professional level where he served as an assistant video coordinator and assistant to the head coach for the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun under three-time WNBA Coach of the Year Mike Thibault during the 2012 campaign. While with the Sun he broke down opponent’s film and tendencies, while also assisting to daily coaching meetings discussing game plans, practice plans and player evaluations. Vincent also conducted individual workouts with the Sun players and assisted in formulating scouting reports.
Vincent’s coaching career has also included stops at Delaware, the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Yale, Miami-Dade College, the University of Southern Miss and the University of Fort Lauderdale.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University Athletics is pleased to announce Jazmine Washington as the head volleyball coach for the Langston University Lady Lions.
“We are excited to announce and welcome Jazmine Washington, our new head volleyball coach at Langston University,” said Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers. “Coach Washington’s energy and passion for the game of volleyball are sure to be contagious as she prepares to lead our Lady Lions volleyball program and our campus community, alumni and fans are just as eager to watch her take our volleyball program to new heights.”
“I’m super excited to become a Langston Lion! Langston (University) holds a name that commands respect throughout the culture and the rich history that Langston exudes when spoken about makes me excited,” Washington said. “I am honored to receive the opportunity to be a part of Langston Athletics.”
Washington comes to Langston University after head coaching stints at Paul Quinn College, Philander Smith University and Florida Memorial University. During her time as head coach, she has produced one Conference Player of the Year, six All-Conference selections and was also named the 2021 Gulf Coast Athletic Conference Coach of the Year for her efforts.
“Our goals for the Langston University volleyball program will be to produce a championship team, not only securing a ring but producing the mindset for the program’s future,” Washington noted. “We’re looking to win every season, not just this season.”
Washington was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, where she developed her passion for the game of volleyball. Throughout her upbringing, she’s played club, beach and collegiate volleyball and specializes in the setter and middle hitter positions. A graduate of Duncanville High School, Washington played collegiately at Palm Beach Atlantic University and later transferred to Philander Smith University.
During her time as a Panther, Washington received first-team All-Conference accolades and graduated with a bachelor’s in business administration. Additionally, Washington has served as a head coach on the volleyball club circuit where she coached athletes from ages 13 to 18 years old.
By Jet Turner, Assistant Director of Communications
Reece Wright looked at his mother and pointed to her nose, not noticing the tears welling up in her eyes.
“Nose!” he said.
Ally Wright, Reece’s mother, could not help but smile. At just two years old, Reece already knows how to keep his parents grounded and focused on what is most important in life: their family.
Unaware that just minutes earlier Langston University’s Men’s Basketball team and his father, Head Coach Chris Wright, watched the NAIA Men’s National Championship slip through their fingers, Reece again pointed to Ally’s face.
“Ears!” he said, a smile creeping across his face.
“Reece is just happy to be here,” Ally said. “He has no idea what’s going on or that we just lost, but that keeps us grounded and know that, yes losing and what’s going on in this moment is important, but this isn’t everything.”
Chris and Ally Wright embrace after losing the NAIA National Championship. Reece is just happy to be here.
That has been among Reece’s variety of roles all season, as he has been a source of stability, strength, encouragement and joy for all members of the team.
But with all the support Reece has given this year, Reece needed his share of support too after a surprise diagnosis shocked the Wrights during basketball season.
During Reece’s regular 18-month checkup in May 2023, he failed his autism screening. This qualified him for a neuropsych evaluation, but his evaluation could not happen until he was two years old. An appointment was scheduled for December 2023.
Chris, Ally and Reece Wright after winning the Sooner Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship.
“At that time, we weren’t really concerned,” Ally said. “We knew at that point Reece was a little speech delayed… and that is what his pediatrician thought was the reason for his failed autism screening, and it wasn’t due to something else.”
In July, just two months after the Wrights were told there was nothing to worry about, Reece had a severe speech regression. He lost all the words and sign language he knew at that time.
Ally and Chris called his pediatrician and were able to get Reece into private speech therapy. A follow-up appointment was made, and Reece was seen by his pediatrician again in August.
After having Reece’s hearing checked, the pediatrician reassured Chris and Ally that his regression was not related to autism, for autistic children usually also regress in motor skills, and Reece had no such regression.
Several months of private speech therapy passed and Reece began to not only relearn the words and sign language he lost, but also add more signs and words to his vocabulary. This progress continued through the beginning of basketball practice in October, and the season’s beginning in November.
At his 2-year-old appointment in December, Reece narrowly passed his autism screening test, but his pediatrician was becoming concerned about his mannerisms, with head shaking and arm flailing being new developments at the time.
The following day Reece had his neuropsych evaluation.
“It was pretty awful,” Ally said. “You’re in a very small room, and it’s just Chris, myself and Reece, who is only a day older than two, and this doctor for five hours. Reece was bouncing off the walls because you can only entertain a 2-year-old for so long, and Chris and I had to fill out a million questionnaires. We had to talk through our daily routine, what we love about Reece, what he struggles with, and more.”
It took four weeks for Reece’s results to come back. In the meantime, Reece was also evaluated for SoonerStart with the goal of getting Reece more speech therapy. SoonerStart is “Oklahoma’s early intervention program designed to meet the needs of families with infants or toddlers (ages birth to 3 years old) with developmental delays and/or disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),” according to oklahoma.gov.
SoonerStart’s autism screening is on a much smaller scale than the neuropsych evaluation, and it additionally evaluates other items like fine motor skills and speech.
Reece’s autism screening through SoonerStart came back with little to no concern, and with only a 10% delay in his speech.
“I think it gave Chris and I a false sense of relief where we thought everything was going to be fine,” Ally said.
Finally, January 4, 2024, the day Langston University was slated to play its 12th game of the season against Mid-American Christian University (MACU), Chris and Ally went in to receive the results of Reece’s neuropsych evaluation.
The doctor began meticulously going over the results page by page.
“I’m agreeing with some of what (the doctor) said but some of it I don’t think is as severe,” Ally said. “(Reece is) only two. He’s changing all the time.”
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is currently organized into three classifications, with ASD Level 1 being the least severe, and ASD Level 3 being the most severe.
Reece was diagnosed with ASD Level 2, meaning Reece would need substantial support. This came just days after receiving a screening with little to no concern for autism from SoonerStart.
“You just don’t give a damn about a basketball game in that moment,” Chris said.
The Langston University Men’s Basketball staff knew what was going on, and Chris had to lean on them and trust his players more than at any other moment in his coaching career as they prepared for that afternoon’s game against MACU.
Langston University Men’s Basketball Coaches, from left to right, Chris Vincent, Chris Wright and Jon Warren.
When Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Vincent found out about Reece’s diagnosis, he was ready to give the Wrights the support they needed.
“(They are) not alone,” Vincent said. “We are all here, players, staff, everyone. And all of us on that day could feel that emotion. Being able to uplift (the Wrights) was really important.”
Senior Toru Dean said he was happy the team was able to come together and continue winning for Coach Chris Wright.
“I feel for Coach Wright,” Dean said. “We’re in the middle of the season talking about winning a national championship and something like this happens, you find out Reece has autism, and it’s a heartbreaker because Reece is a little brother to us. Mentally, we are going through the same thing as Reece. We are all on this bright stage to do it for Reece.”
In the locker room after a win, the men’s basketball team will lock arms in a circle and chant the names of everyone who participated during the game in a tradition they call “put ups,” including coaches, players on the bench and others.
After the team’s win at MACU, Ally was not thinking about put ups until, suddenly, student assistant coach J.P. Walz came sprinting out of the locker room asking for Reece.
Walz explained that the team refused to do put ups without Reece. Being one of the few people who Reece will allow to hold him, Ally handed Reece to Walz, and Walz sprinted down into the locker room.
“I think there’s a lot of things about coaching college basketball that’s really difficult or maybe the average person just wouldn’t get,” Chris said. “But for me, the coolest part about being able to do this is we really get to do it as a family.”
Reece is a part of the team, and the team is a part of the Wright family.
For many players, if you are being recruited by Langston University, one of the first stops you make is at the Wrights’ home. Chris and his staff make it a point to not only recruit talented players, but players with a good heart as well.
Once you are on the team you not only get used to seeing Ally and Reece around, you expect it.
Ally and Chris worked hard to ensure Reece was comfortable around the basketball team from an early age. Reece was introduced to his first team while the Wrights were still at Talladega College when he was just 10 days old. Reece attended his first game when he was only a month old.
Ally and Chris Wright holding 1-month-old Reece Wright at Talladega College.
“Reece’s relationship with the big boys (Reece’s word for the basketball players) is everything I dreamed it would be,” Ally said. “I love that he’s obsessed with them. It warms my heart. I just think it’s so important he gets to know them. I think that’s part of being a coaching family. Families that don’t get to bond with their players like that and don’t get to make that connection miss out on so much.
“It’s so much more than just basketball. You get to have bonds with these players that you would never get to have with other people, and to extend that past Chris and I and have Reece get to form these relationships now is really special.”
To Chris, Reece has become another member of his staff. On game day in C.F. Gayles Field House, Reece is found on the Marques Haynes Court stretching with the big boys, passing the basketball back and forth, running sprints and much more.
Reece helps supervise warm up before a home game.
To the players, Reece is their motivation.
Senior Cortez Mosley said seeing Ally, Chris and Reece still giving the team their all after the adversity they faced this year encourages him to play his hardest.
“Reece is our little energy guy,” Mosley said. “I need my high five from Reece every game. Reece man, with all the stuff he’s been through and coach and Ally, he just enlightens us. When I see Reece, I’m motivated to play good.”
And Reece, undoubtedly, loves his big boys.
During the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship Tournament in Kansas City, Langston University’s team, including coaches and their families, shared a hotel floor. Once Reece realized all the players were staying around him, he wanted to spend all his time with them.
Reece, with toys in hand, would pace up and down the hotel hallway waiting for one of the players to leave their room so they could play with him. The players would help Reece put his puzzles together or play with his trucks. When they would leave, Reece would wait for the next one.
“Reece’s interactions with the players are great for him,” Chris said. “But I also think it’s really good for our guys. When you’re in such a high intense environment, like the national tournament, there’s so much adrenaline and the magnitude of each game is so big it really weighs heavily on you. Having Reece there hopefully makes them a little less stressed and helps them take a step back from their stress.”
Cortez Mosley and Reece Wright play after a home game.
Langston University Men’s basketball team ended its season 35-2, winning the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season and tournament championships for the second straight year, capping off the season with a trip to the national championship game.
Even though the Lions lost the national championship in heartbreaking fashion, losing to Freed-Hardeman University 71-67, their team family is closer than ever. Reece is not just the glue that holds them together, he is the person that makes them special.
“I think Reece brings a lot of joy and positivity to our team,” Chris said. “We are a family, and he is an example of that. Reece is the most important thing in our life, and we trust them with him. I think that’s part of showing the team that you are part of our family, and we are going to treat you as such.
“It just solidifies the fact that our program is family.”
Langston University’s Men’s Basketball Team, along with University administration, celebrate a Sooner Athletic Conference Regular Season Championship.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University Director of Athletics Donnita Drain-Rogers announced today that Kevin Herod has stepped down as the Lady Lions head women’s basketball coach to become head coach at Florida Memorial University.
“I would like to thank Coach (Kevin) Herod for his time serving as the head women’s basketball coach, he helped re-establish the women’s basketball presence in the state of Oklahoma and on the NAIA national stage,” Drain-Rogers said. “We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”
Herod led the Lady Lions to a 24-8 record and an NAIA National Tournament appearance for the 2023-24 season. The Lady Lions had an overall record of 41-21 during Herod’s two years at Langston University.
“I am deeply grateful for the privilege of serving as the head women’s basketball coach at Langston University for the past two years,” Herod said. “As I bid farewell after two rewarding seasons, the achievements, both academically and athletically, we’ve been able to accomplish fill me with pride. The memories and bonds formed here will forever be a treasured part of my life.”
Langston University will launch a national search for the next head women’s basketball coach. Information will be posted to langstonsports.com.
LANGSTON, Okla. – Langston University has announced an extension to retain head men’s basketball coach Chris Wright for the next four years, after a remarkable first season with the Lions. The contract extension will be ratified by the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents in April.
“I have never witnessed this magnitude of a program shift in one year,” said athletic director Donnita Drain Rogers. “The total culture of the men’s basketball program has been impacted by Coach Wright’s leadership.”
“Coach Wright has successfully fostered growth within the Langston University Men’s Basketball program both athletically and academically,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ruth Ray Jackson. “Our Men’s Basketball team had an average GPA of 3.14 for the Fall semester, which is commendable of any team and especially one competing at this level. The accomplishments of his student-athletes in the classroom are as impressive as their performance on the court.” Of its 16 members, 11 of the Lions earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher in the Fall 2022 semester.
The 2022-2023 Lions have achieved the most successful year-to-year turnaround of any collegiate men’s basketball program in history. In their first season with Wright at the helm, the Lions went 29-2 overall in the season, making history as the first HBCU to win the Sooner Athletic Conference regular season and the conference tournament. The transformation of this program cannot be overstated and has garnered national attention.
“The success Coach Wright brings to this team and to our institution is special,” said Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr., President of Langston University. “Their impact is not isolated to athletics alone; it’s building positive momentum for the institution at large. There are a lot of programs that would benefit from his style of coaching. We are happy that Coach Wright has found his home here at Dear Langston.”
“Langston University is a very special place. Our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the community have truly rallied around our program and helped us create a culture of success,” Wright said. “The commitment from our president, director of athletics, administration, and everyone supporting our team has changed my life and the lives of the young men in this program for the better.”
Langston University hosted the first and second rounds of the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship on campus, where the Lions clinched a ticket to the Sweet Sixteen in Kansas City, Missouri. Now 31-2 overall in a storybook season, Langston University and Chris Wright look forward to creating a winning program for years to come.
By Jet Turner, Langston University Office of Public Relations
LANGSTON, Okla. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics announced Thursday that Langston University has been selected as one of 16 sites to host the 2023 NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship First & Second Rounds, presented by Ballogy.
This is the first time Langston University has been chosen as a host site for the NAIA Men’s Basketball National Championship First & Second Rounds, capping off what has been a historic season for the Lions.
“It is an incredible honor for Langston University to be picked out of all the NAIA schools that play intercollegiate basketball,” Head Men’s Basketball Coach Chris Wright said. “For us to be one of 16 sites picked to host is a tremendous honor for our university and our program. Our student athletes deserve a lot of credit for what they have done on the court to put us in this position.”
Langston University’s historic Men’s Basketball season began when the Lions, after winning only one game in the last two seasons, began the season with a 16-game win streak. The Lions ended the regular season with a 26-2 record, 20-2 in conference play, clinching the Regular Season Sooner Athletic Conference Championship for the first time in program history, becoming the first HBCU to win the conference.
This success has brought the Men’s Basketball team to national prominence, becoming the biggest program turnaround in collegiate basketball history.
“It is so exciting to be a part of this historic basketball journey,” Langston University Director of Athletics Donnita Rogers said. “I need Lion Nation to show up to these opening round games in large numbers to ensure that we are the first stop for the national tournament for years to come!”
The homefield advantage this gives Langston University in the NAIA Men’s National Tournament cannot be understated.
“We are undefeated here at home this year,” Wright said. “Someone is going to have to play really well to beat us in C.F. Gayles Field House. To have that type of advantage in March is big.”
Each first and second round site will feature four teams and will play single elimination on Tuesday & Wednesday, March 7-8. The winner of the final game will go to the NAIA National Championship Final Site in Kansas City, Mo.
The field of 64 teams for the 2023 NAIA Men’s and Women’s National Tournament will be announced at 7:00 p.m. March 2, 2023, during the selection show on the NAIA’s Official YouTube channel.
Langston, Oklahoma – Langston University and Adidas have entered into an exclusive contract agreement. Adidas is now the official provider of LU apparel, uniforms, footwear, and equipment. This exclusive contract will represent each of the University’s intercollegiate athletic programs and the Marching Pride Band.
“This is so exciting. We have the opportunity to bring every program under the same brand for the first time in the school’s history,” said LU Athletic Director, Donnita Rogers.
LU Athletics has also signed an agreement with a local partner, Midwest Sporting Goods. “We not only get to work with a national brand, but we are also partnering with another company located in the state of Oklahoma. This means these tax dollars will stay right here,” said LU President, Dr. Kent J. Smith, Jr.
During this process, LU had offers from three major national brands. “One of the reasons we chose Midwest and Adidas was because of their commitment to service,” said Smith.
“It was important to us that we partner with someone who cares about our university community the way we do, I believe that we found that through this partnership.”
LU Athletics is an official member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). “This is a very special day for LU. The reality is our Athletic Director is building a national powerhouse in Athletics,” said Dr. Smith.
“We are not only recruiting incredible talent, but they are performing well in the classroom. Not many institutions can tout that, and that makes me very proud.”
