Oklahoma Panhandle State University Director of Athletics Victor Esparza has announced that veteran coach Greg Ray has been named the program’s new head women’s basketball coach. Ray brings a breadth of experience to the Aggies, including at NCAA Divisions I, NAIA Division 1, and junior college. Ray’s first day on campus will be Monday, April 11th.
“We are very excited to have Coach Ray join the Aggie family,” Esparza said. “He is a highly driven individual with a proven track record of excellence and more than a decade of experience developing student-athletes. I look forward to having him take our program to the next level.”
University Interim President Dr. Ryan Blanton stated, “University Interim President Dr. Ryan Blanton stated, “Esparza did an excellent job positioning the program for success. I am excited to see Coach Ray continue that excellence and am confident he is the right choice for the position.”
While leading the Panhandle State women’s basketball team will be Rays’ first college head coaching position, he takes on the task with nearly 15 years of coaching experience on his back. Most recently, Ray was the associate head coach at Seward County Community College (2020), Chicago State University – NCAA Division I (2018-2020), and first assistant coach at Central Methodist University (2011-18). Before that, he was the camp director for Midwest Elite Basketball and the Alaska Stars club coach.
Before joining the basketball profession, Coach Ray was a marketing & advertising specialist recruiter for the Alaska Army National Guard (2001-2011). After serving in the Army for 21 years, Ray was honorably discharged. Additionally, Ray received notable awards such as Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of the United States Army, Master Recruiting Badge by the United States Army in 2004, and Station Commander from 2007-09.
Ray earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from Central Methodist University in 2013. Ray and his wife Laura have five children, Amy, Chris, Bri, Braylee, and Aiden. And the Rays have four grandchildren, Zedekiah, Jarman Jr., Gabriel, and El.
“I can’t tell you how much this means to my family and me! What a blessing to have this opportunity to be a part of the Aggie Family. My wife was born in Oklahoma and still has family here, so it’s a true homecoming, ” said Coach Ray. “Thank you to the administration, Athletic Director Esparza, the returning players, and all who helped make me feel quite comfortable on my visit. I’d also love to thank my wife and family, who have been so patient with me throughout this process! This is truly a dream come true, and I am so grateful! OPSU is truly a special place and
The Aggies are finishing up the spring semester. They return 11 student-athletes for the 2022-2023 season. Coach Ray will have the season schedule out very soon.
Photo Courtesy OPSU Athletics
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