HBCU turns to former WNBA standout as next head coach

And HBCU is looking to a former WNBA standout to lead the women’s basketball program. Langston University has hired Crystal Robinson as the 12th head women’s basketball coach. Robinson comes into the institution with experience in the WNBA and a standout college career.

Robinson spoke about her excitement to become the head coach of the Lady Lions.

“I am honored to join Langston University, an institution with great heritage on and off the court. Very few people get the opportunity to pursue their dreams in multiple eras. I missed an NAIA championship twice as a player; now I am excited to chase that dream alongside our student-athletes and my new Langston family.”

Langston University Athletic Director Donnita Rogers marveled at Robinson and specifically spoke about the prestige of her basketball resume.

“It’s not every day you have the opportunity to hire a first-round WNBA draft pick and four-time Hall of Famer. We are welcoming one of Oklahoma’s and the NAIA’s greatest basketball players to Langston University to push our women’s program to new heights.”

Robinson had experience winning at the NAIA level as a player, following a dominant run at Okota High School in the late 80s and early 90s. She then transitioned over to Southeastern Oklahoma State. She led the team to two straight national championship appearances in 1995 and 1996, while being named NAIA Player of the Year in 1996.

She went on to declare for the 1999 WNBA draft, being selected by the New York Liberty with the sixth overall pick. She enjoyed an eight-year career as a professional basketball player, playing for the Liberty and Washington Mystics. Later on in her basketball journey, she embarked on coaching, including joining the Mystics’ coaching staff and then becoming a state championship-winning head coach at McAllister High School.

She then went on to gain more coaching experience at Murray State College, Utah State, and TCU. She then was a part of the Seattle Storm’s 2018 WNBA championship-winning coaching staff.

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