Coach Speak: Carrie Banks
11/5/2020
PRESENTED BY
Omaha Steaks, Warren Buffett and the College World Series – Seven months ago, my knowledge of Omaha was both limited and superficial. Late March I got a phone call that changed everything. My journey began at 4 a.m. (EST) and a 12-hour drive to a place that I would soon call home.
It was the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and there were many unknowns. I packed my hand sanitizer, Lysol spray and a couple masks – destination Omaha. I wanted to see the city, walk the campus and confirm this was the opportunity I spent 12 years as an assistant coach working for.
It was a hidden gem, at least to me. The campus was beautiful. Baxter Arena was perfect, and I envisioned the city, despite the empty sidewalks and closed businesses. It showed promise as a welcoming place under normal circumstances. I didn’t want to go just anywhere. It had to be the perfect fit. UNO presented a place with unlimited potential and passionate people that would enable me to build a program with a winning tradition.
Fast forward seven months. Omaha is the place I feel comfortable telling recruits that it is the family environment they’re looking for. It is the perfect combination of quality academics and competitive athletics within a community that’s committed to their growth and development.
I am fortunate to work alongside an amazing staff that is talented, fun, competitive and always puts the student-athlete first. It’s been a crazy seven months and COVID-19 has made every day a roller coaster. Nevertheless, my transition to becoming the head coach of the women’s basketball program has been incredible. It is an honor to participate in the journey of the amazing group of young women that make up our team. I’m so glad I made the trip and experienced Omaha first-hand.
Omaha Steaks, Warren Buffett and the College World Series – but most of all – the Omaha Mavericks.
