Kelsi Musick Takes Helm as Arkansas Women’s Basketball Coach
In a move that marks a new chapter for the Arkansas Razorbacks women’s basketball program, Kelsi Musick has been named the 10th head coach in the team’s 49-year history. The announcement came on March 21, 2025, following the resignation of Mike Neighbors, who stepped down after a challenging 10-22 season in 2024-25. Musick, 45, has signed a five-year contract worth $600,000 annually, signaling the university’s commitment to revitalizing the program.
Proven Success at Oral Roberts
Musick arrives in Fayetteville after a successful three-year stint at Oral Roberts University (ORU). During her time with the Golden Eagles, she led the program to an impressive 57-39 record, demonstrating a steady increase in success each season. Her impact was evident as she guided ORU to 12 wins in her first year, followed by 21 in her second, and a remarkable 24-win campaign in the 2024-25 season—the program’s best since 1982-83. Under her leadership, ORU earned postseason appearances in the last two seasons, reinforcing her ability to build and sustain competitive teams.
Athletic Director’s Vote of Confidence
Arkansas Athletics Director and Vice Chancellor Hunter Yurachek expressed his enthusiasm for Musick’s hiring, citing her relentless work ethic, enthusiasm, and ability to maximize resources. “She has proven to be a great relationship builder and communicator throughout her career to the benefit of her teams and student-athletes on and off the court,” Yurachek said. “Having grown up and coached in Oklahoma, she has a familiarity with our area that will help her quickly connect with our state and fan base.”
Musick’s success at Oral Roberts was bolstered by her ability to develop top-tier talent, including coaching Summit League standouts like 2023-24 Freshman of the Year Emily Robinson, Newcomer of the Year Taleyah Jones, and two-time Sixth Woman of the Year Jalei Oglesby. Her ability to recruit and cultivate elite talent will be crucial as she transitions to the highly competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Facing the Challenge of the SEC
The Razorbacks are looking to rebound from a disappointing season, and Musick’s track record of program-building suggests she is well-equipped for the challenge. Arkansas has struggled in recent years to establish itself as a powerhouse in the SEC, but with Musick’s leadership, the team hopes to regain its competitive edge. Her ability to foster player development and build a winning culture will be key factors in Arkansas’ quest for success.
Looking Ahead
Musick is expected to be formally introduced as the new head coach in a press conference on Monday. With her history of steady program growth, strong recruiting, and postseason appearances, expectations are high for her tenure at Arkansas. As she takes on the challenge of leading the Razorbacks, fans and players alike are eager to see how she can reshape the program and return it to prominence in the SEC.
