The University of Arkansas has made a significant move in women’s athletics by appointing Kelsi Musick as the 10th head coach of the Razorbacks’ women’s basketball program. Musick, who arrives from Oral Roberts University (ORU), has signed a five-year contract reported at $600,000 annually, ensuring her commitment to the position through April 2030. With an impressive track record, Musick previously guided ORU over three seasons, where she transformed the Golden Eagles into formidable contenders. Under her stewardship, the team achieved consecutive 20-win seasons, a feat that hadn’t been accomplished in over a decade. The 2023-24 season concluded with a commendable 24-9 record, bolstered by a high-scoring offense that averaged a remarkable 83.2 points per game, placing eighth nationally.
Musick’s coaching prowess is evident not just in her teams’ successes, but also in her ability to develop individual talent. She played a crucial role in nurturing standout players like Emily Robinson, who was named Summit League Freshman of the Year, and Jalei Oglesby, a two-time Sixth Woman of the Year. This focus on player development aligns with her philosophy of building a strong and competitive program.
Hunter Yurachek, the athletic director at the University of Arkansas, expressed his enthusiasm about Musick’s appointment, emphasizing her work ethic, passion, and resourcefulness. “Throughout my conversations with Kelsi, it was apparent she wanted to be an Arkansas Razorback and welcomed the challenge of building our women’s basketball program to compete against the best of the best in the SEC,” Yurachek stated.
Before her successful tenure at ORU, Musick enjoyed a 13-year stint as the head coach at Southwestern Oklahoma State, where she amassed a remarkable 259-125 record. Her teams were consistently offensive powerhouses, ranking in the Top 10 nationally in scoring during seven of her nine seasons, which included seven NCAA Tournament appearances and a run to the Division II national championship game in 2019. Musick’s coaching journey began at Fresno State, where she transitioned from a basketball operations role to an assistant coach, contributing to the Bulldogs’ NCAA Tournament run in the 2008-09 season. Her early career also involved coaching at the high school level in her home state of Oklahoma, where she laid the foundation for her future successes.
Reflecting on her new role, Musick expressed her gratitude and excitement. “I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the women’s basketball program at the University of Arkansas. This is a place with a proud tradition, passionate fans, and a commitment to excellence in every way. I’m excited to get to work building something special,” she stated.
A former standout athlete herself, Musick excelled at Cameron University, where she set records in three-point shooting and assists, helping her team reach its first NCAA Tournament. Her legacy continues, as she was inducted into the Cameron University Athletics Hall of Fame in February 2025, highlighting her contributions both on and off the court.
With her experience and dedication, Kelsi Musick is poised to bring a new era of excellence to the Razorbacks’ women’s basketball program, inspiring players and fans alike as she embarks on this exciting chapter in her coaching career.
