East Central Oklahoma University Interim Tag Removed: Hurt Named Head Women’s Basketball Coach

Heather Hurt/Interim Head Women’s Basketball Coach | East Central Oklahoma University

By SC Oklahoma News Reports

Mar 15, 2023

East Central University Athletic Director, Matt Cole, announced Wednesday the promotion of Heather Hurt to be the fifth Tiger head women's basketball coach.

"I am pleased to name Heather as the head coach of our women's basketball program," Cole said. "She is an established and valued member of our athletic department coaching staff after serving nine seasons as the assistant coach, and I look forward to the great things ahead with her at the helm of the program."

Hurt took charge of the program in late December after former head coach, Matt Cole, stepped down to take the position as ECU Director of Athletics.

"I am very humbled and thankful to become the next head women's basketball coach at East Central University," Hurt said. "I would like to thank President Godwin and Coach Cole for trusting me to lead this program. I could not be more thankful for the support Coach Cole has given me over the nine years we've worked together."

Throughout her time as interim head coach, Hurt led the Tigers to the No. 7 seed in the 2022-23 Great American Conference Women's Basketball Championship Tournament despite a tough beginning to the season.

"We are excited for Coach Hurt and the ECU Program," ECU President Wendell Godwin added. "Taking over at mid-season is never an ideal transition, but she has made the most of the opportunity. Finishing seventh in the conference and making the Great American Tournament was more than was expected in late December, due to injuries and our strength of schedule. In addition to the on-court performance, she leads an amazing group of student athletes who have high academic standing."

The Tigers have excelled in the classroom, as three student-athletes received GAC honors for their performance during the 2022-23 season. The three honorees included an All-GAC Second Team Member, GAC Distinguished Scholar-Athlete and two GAC Elite Scholar Athletes. The women's basketball team has consistently held one of the highest cumulative GPA's among ECU athletic teams.

"I'm proud of Coach Hurt and excited to have her as the leader of our basketball program," Godwin said.

"ECU is home to me after being here nine years," Hurt said. "I love being here at East Central University and living in the Ada community. I am honored I have the opportunity to continue leading amazing young women and building our women's basketball program. It has been a dream of mine to lead a DII program and I'm very excited it is here at ECU."

Hurt became a member of the Tiger family in 2014 and was the top assistant on the Tigers' staff for the last nine seasons.

Prior to becoming a leader on the coaching staff, Hurt made her mark on the court for Hutchinson Community College, Wichita State University, and Emporia State University.

During her two year-stint at Emporia State University, Hurt served as the graduate assistant coach where she helped the team to two NCAA Sweet 16 appearances and two Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletic Association tournament titles.

Hurt spent one season playing for the Hornets where she was an All-MIAA Second Team selection, helped ESU to the NCAA Central Regional Championship game, and was named to the 2012 All-Central Regional Tournament Team.

Before heading to ESU, Hurt spent a season at Wichita State University and spent her first two collegiate seasons at Hutchinson Community College. While playing for the Blue Dragons, she became the school's first two-time NJCAA All-American and helped the team to the NJCAA nationals. In 2020, she was honored by HCC by being named to their Athletics Hall of Fame.

Hurt earned a Master of Science degree in Health, Physical Education & Recreation in May 2014 and a Bachelor of Science in Business (Marketing) in December 2012 from Emporia State. She also earned an Associate in Arts from Hutchinson Community College in May 2010.

Hurt is married to Jon Hurt, and together, they have one son, Jones (1).

"This would not be possible without the incredible support system I have," Hurt added. "I am thankful to have my husband, Jon, and my family in my corner supporting me along the way. There are many people who had a hand in helping me get here today."