The Shield

Kiyron Powell, freshman center, warms up before the first day of practice on Sept. 27. The mens basketball team is scheduled to begin their DI career Nov. 7 at University of Missouri.

Men’s basketball to start DI with a mostly new roster

Eric Reynolds and Quinton Watt September 28, 2022

The men's basketball team prepares to enter the Division I era with an overhauled roster. The team has five returning players from the 2021-2022 18-8 team: Jelani Simmons, senior guard, Jacob Polakovich,...

Coach Rodney Watson celebrates his 232 career win at USI after defeating Kentucky Wesleyan 82-63 at the Screaming Eagles Arena. Watson announced his retirement Monday.

Watson staying humble after securing all-time win record

Nik Cunningham, Sports Editor November 19, 2019

Rodney Watson said that one day he might be able to look back and be proud of his accomplishment but Tuesday wasn’t that day. The Men’s basketball head coach, is now USI’s winningest coach...

Court to coach: Former USI player joins staff full time

Megan Thorne, Opinion Editor August 18, 2016
Basketball became the main sport in Stephanie Carpenter’s life during second grade. Carpenter graduated in 2014 with a criminal justice major and accounting minor, the USI alumna is now back on the court as an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team.
Balance the blame

Balance the blame

Sarah Loesch, Sports Editor February 16, 2016

Blame does not usually belong to one individual. Oftentimes, it ends up on the shoulders of a person whose control only goes so far. I don’t like blame the coach mentality, but maybe more than that,...

The Swinging Eagles

The Swinging Eagles

James Powell September 16, 2015
Many of the coaches we respect today began their careers in high school.
Kevin Gant, the newly appointed men’s basketball assistant coach, on the court during a game in 2011. Gant was a member of the team for three years until his graduation in 2012.

Gant takes on court experience to the sideline

Sarah Loesch August 25, 2015
Gant said his time at USI as a player was great and has helped prepare him to coach the student athletes now.

Remembering Ruth Waller

Jessie Hellmann April 17, 2013

Ruth Waller was free-spirited, gentle, caring and a “miracle woman.” She was a mother, wife and pioneer for women’s athletics and intramurals during her 36-year career at USI. Ruth passed away after...

Load More Stories
Activate Search
coaching