Missouri Western women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker was named the MIAA Coach of the Year, while senior forward Connie Clarke earned Defensive Player of the Year honors for the second consecutive season. Whitaker guided the Griffons to a 24-4 overall record and claimed the outright MIAA crown. Clarke, from Birmingham, Alabama, led the league in steals and was part of the top defensive team in the conference.

The Big Picture

The awards recognize outstanding achievements in women's basketball within the MIAA conference, highlighting both coaching excellence and individual player performance.

By the Numbers
  • Whitaker has a 99-45 overall record in her five seasons at Missouri Western.
  • Clarke led the league in steals with an average of 2.6 per game.
State of Play
  • Whitaker's teams have consistently performed well, including an Elite 8 appearance in 2021-22.
  • Connie Clarke has been pivotal in maintaining a strong defensive presence for Missouri Western.
What's Next

Continued success is expected for both Whitaker and Clarke as they continue to lead Missouri Western in upcoming seasons, aiming for further achievements in the competitive MIAA landscape.

Bottom Line

Missouri Western's Candi Whitaker and Connie Clarke's accolades signify a culture of excellence in women's basketball, setting high standards for coaching and defensive prowess within the MIAA conference.