Ohio Christian University is pleased to announce Jamey Batten as the new head coach of OCU Women’s Basketball. Batten will take over day-to-day operations for the program immediately. He inherits a strong basketball program with a rich history, including five straight appearances in the NCCAA National Tournament, dating back to 2010.
OCU Athletic Director, Ben Belleman, is excited about Batten becoming the head coach. "We are thrilled to have Jamey take over the program. He bleeds OCU blue and he appreciates what our mission is truly all about. As a seasoned coach that is passionate about the game of basketball, we know that our program will be in good hands. He will take OCU Women’s Basketball to new heights in the NCCAA, while also impacting lives for Christ."
Coach Batten is no stranger to OCU Basketball. As Tony Stockman’s right hand man, Batten has helped lead the Trailblazers to back-to-back NCCAA Men’s Basketball National Championships in 2013 and 2014.
Prior to returning to OCU in 2011, he completed a four year stint as the head women’s basketball coach at NAIA affiliate, Cincinnati Christian University. At Cincinnati Christian, he led the Golden Eagles to a 56-32 (.636) overall record while reaching the Elite 8 of the National Tournament, earning an NCCAA Division I Top 10 Ranking in 2010, and appearing in the NAIA Top 25 National Poll on three occasions in 2011.
Batten left CCU as the all-time career wins leader in women’s basketball. He led the Golden Eagles to first-time program wins over Asbury University, Midway College, Brescia University, Alice Lloyd College, Berea College, and Kentucky Christian University. During his tenure, he coached five All-Region and All-Conference players and assisted one player in signing a full ride, NCAA Division I scholarship to IUPUI.
Currently serving in his second stint with the Trailblazers, he served previously at Ohio Christian from 2003-2007, eventually being named the Athletic Director and Head Coach in 2005. The 2006-07 team was ranked as high as 8th in the NCCAA Division II National Poll. His 2007 recruiting class ushered in a new era of success for OCU men’s basketball.
Batten at Ohio Christian from 1997-2001 and was a team captain during his junior and senior seasons. He was a member of the 2000 team that earned an at-large bid to the NCCAA National Tournament. Batten graduated in 2001 with his BA in teacher education and earned his state of Ohio teaching certification. Upon graduation he took a position at CCA Prep Academy as Head Coach. In his two years at CCA he led the Runnin Jaguars to an SOCL Conference Championship and State Runner-Up finish.
"This is an exciting opportunity to work with a great group of players," stated Batten. "We have a young coaching staff that is passionate about the game and really enjoys working hard. The players on this team come from winning programs and there is enough talent and toughness on the roster to accomplish some really big things on the court this year. If we commit to get better on a daily basis and outwork our competition, it could be a special year for us."
He currently serves the campus as Associate Athletic Director and resides in Circleville, Ohio. Batten became a licensed minister in The Church of the Nazarene in 2008. He travels and speaks at churches and youth events during the offseason.
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