Taft College is excited to have Carly Flowers join the District as the Head Women's Basketball Coach and Associate Professor for the upcoming academic year. Carly will be responsible for all aspects of the basketball program, and will have a teaching assignment in the disciplines of Physical Education, Health Education, and/or Kinesiology.

Carly holds a master's degree in Allied Health from Otterbein University in Westerville, Ohio. Immediately prior to accepting the position at Taft College, Carly has also been coaching women's basketball at Otterbein University. Carly has many collective years of experience related to basketball not only as a team player, but as an assistant coach, head coach, mentor, and recruiter. As a college player, Carly was a four-year letter winner with three appearances to the NCAA tournament, including an NCAA Elite-8 appearance in 2006. Carly holds a career record 96-21, and Ohio Athletic Conference record of 62-10. As a college coach, most recently, Carly helped lead the women's Otterbein team to their first NCAA Tournament appearance, finishing with an impressive 21-7 record.

Carly states, "I will recruit high quality student athletes that will compete every day in the classroom and on the basketball court. I value leadership and teamwork, above all. By teaching and providing learning opportunities to athletes, they will become more successful. I am passionate about teaching life and basketball skills. While consistently emphasizing teamwork, leadership, and respect I will be molding outstanding people. Building on this foundation, the team will thrive on and off the court."

"Our Athletic Department is very focused on the success of our athletes both academically and athletically," says Darcy Bogle, Vice President of Student Services. "Carly's coaching philosophy directly aligns with our department and mission, and will allow us to continue our tradition of athletic excellence. Go Cougars!"

Kanoe Bandy, Athletic Director also shares, "I am very excited and eager for Carly to join us at Taft College, and look forward to the opportunity to work with her. I am thrilled to not only have her as our Women's Basketball Coach, but as an Associate Professor. What a great mentor Carly will be for our students and athletes alike."

Taft College is part of the Central Valley Athletic Conference, with the average sport offerings being 10 sports per college. Our Athletic Department provides opportunities for students to participate in several other intercollegiate sports programs. Men may participate in Baseball, Golf and Soccer; and Women may participate in Basketball, Soccer, Softball, and Volleyball. Our sport programs teach student athletes the value of discipline, loyalty, hard work, good health and good sportsmanship.

For more information, please contact, Kanoe Bandy at kbandy@taftcollege.edu or (661) 763-7779.