Wichita State introduces Keitha Adams as new women’s basketball coach

Keitha Adams was introduced as the new women’s basketball coach at Wichita State as a news conference Monday afternoon at the school.

Adams, who spent the past 16 seasons as the head coach of the UTEP women’s team, took the job to be closer to friends and family. Her hometown is merely 36 miles away from the campus of Wichita State.

She told reporters Monday that while she had received multiple offers to leave UTEP in the past, it took a truly special opportunity close to home to take her away from El Paso.

“I had a great thing going there,” said Adams. “And so, it definitely took a unique and special situation to pull me out of there because it was a great place, and we had a great thing going.”

Meanwhile, UTEP’s captain, Lulu McKinney also spoke to reporters on Monday, telling them that no current players have thought about transferring yet.

She also praised Adams as a great coach and friend.

“She would do anything for us,” said McKinney, who will be a senior next season. “Whatever we needed, she was there. She believed in us. You know, we had a not-so-great season, and she still stuck with us and believed in us the whole way through.”

Now, UTEP Athletic Director Bob Stull has the tough task of replacing a beloved figure.

He is reportedly scheduled to meet with Ewa Leskowska, who was the top assistant under Adams, on Wednesday of this week.

Leskowska also reportedly has a standing offer to go join Adams in Kansas.