CHADRON – Following a national search with nearly 100 applicants, Chris Francis has been named the head coach of Chadron State College's men's basketball program. Francis will be formerly introduced during an on-campus event at the Chicoine Center Wednesday, July 17 at 2 p.m. Following his introduction, which is free and open to the public, Francis will conduct a free clinic for youth in first through eighth grade from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Chicoine Center.

Francis, who has a career record of 176-94, has been the head coach at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, an NAIA school in Chickasha, Oklahoma, since 2015. During his time, Francis has led the Drovers to five NAIA National Tourney appearances, a Sooner Athletic Conference Championship, and a Sooner Athletic Conference Tournament Championship. His 2021 squad earned the No. 1 seed at the NAIA tourney and posted a 17-3 record. The year prior, the Drovers advanced to the Elite Eight and won 22 games. His team last season went 19-10.

"A new era has begun for Chadron State College men's basketball," said Interim Athletic Director Dr. China Jude. "Coach Francis is a mentor, educator, and highly respected coach who will passionately lead our program to the next level. I am excited about the future of Chadron State basketball."

Chadron State College President Ron K. Patterson echoes Jude's comments.

"We are thrilled to have someone like Coach Francis lead our men's basketball program. Coach Francis has consistently won at the NAIA level and made it to the national tournament five consecutive years. His experience and coaching pedigree speak for themselves. More importantly, he is a leader of young men. He is passionate about his players graduating and developing young men into successful and productive citizens," Patterson said.

Francis said he's excited, as well. And he's looking forward to coaching and competing in a premier Division II conference such as the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.

"[Coaching at CSC] is a great opportunity to have a chance to impact another community, impact more student-athletes, and work alongside everyone at Chadron who are all so welcoming," Francis said. "President Patterson has a great vision for CSC and hearing him and the rest of the staff talk about the excitement that the future holds, made it very clear that this is where I'm supposed to be. I've always looked forward to challenges because that's where opportunity comes from, and coaching in one of the best NCAA D2 conferences in the RMAC is something I look forward to doing, along with developing relationships with coaches in the league, and also in the surrounding high schools."

Francis, who was named the Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2022, has developed multiple players, including 25 all-conference selections, nine NAIA All-Americans, and his former player, Samkelo Cele, recently signed a summer league deal with the New York Knicks.

"My ultimate goal is to leave a legacy of excellence both on and off the court. I aspire to empower my players to reach their full potential not only as athletes but as individuals," Francis said. "I hope to instill a culture of hard work, resilience, and respect within the team, setting a standard of sportsmanship and integrity for years to come. Beyond the wins and losses, I aim to develop leaders who will carry forward the values learned through our program, our college, and this community. My legacy will be defined by the growth and success of the student-athletes I have the privilege to coach and mentor because if we do it this way, championships will be won."

Prior to being the head coach at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma, Francis was the assistant men's basketball coach for three seasons. He was responsible for all recruiting and fundraising efforts, which he continued when he became the head coach in 2015. Francis was also an assistant coach at LSU-Shreveport for one season in 2013 when the Pilots reached the NAIA Final Four.

A former student-athlete, Francis was a starting guard and captain of the men's basketball team at Rogers State University. In 2011, he helped lead Rogers State to the NAIA Elite Eight and a 30-2 record. Following that season, Francis was named the Sooner Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year. A sports management major, Francis was recently inducted into the Rogers State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Francis, a native of Cleora, Oklahoma, and his wife, Sevie, have three children.

Volleyball adds four signees

CHADRON, Neb. -- After reaching the RMAC playoffs for the first time since 2003 a season ago, the Chadron State College volleyball team finalized its 2024 signing class with the addition of four players, CSC Head Volleyball Coach Jennifer Stadler announced today.

Two of the signees are recent high school graduates hailing from Nebraska and South Dakota while the other two additions will be transferring to Chadron State.

From Bayard, Nebraska, Danika Hassel joins the Eagles as a 6-0 right side. Hassel concluded her four-year career as a Bayard Tiger with the school record for career kills (988), kills in a season (314), career digs (759) and career aces. As a senior, she was named the Western Trails Conference (WTC) Offensive MVP, was a member of the West-Nebraska All Star Team and was a WTC First Team Academic All-Conference selection.

In addition to her volleyball success, Hassel lettered all four years for basketball and was a two-time state medalist in track and field.

"Danika is a physical attacker with a lot of athletic ability," Stadler said. "She has been a three-sport athlete her entire high school career and those opportunities have allowed her to become a well-rounded athlete. Her joy and excitement for learning will help her excel as she transitions to the college game. Danika has a bright future as an Eagle."

A native of Belle Fourche, South Dakota, Mataya Ward joins the team after being a three-time South Dakota All-State selection for Belle Fourche High School. A 5-10 outside hitter, Ward finished her career with 1,474 career kills and 1,118 career digs. In addition to being a three-time all-state selection, she was also named all-conference and was a best of the west selection three times. Before her senior year, Ward was named the 2023 Midco Sports Class A Preseason Player of the Year.

Like Hassel, Ward excelled in other sports and in the classroom. She was a four-time state medalist in track and field, second team all-state selection in basketball and a two-time national qualifier in rodeo, while being named Academic All-State in volleyball and basketball.

"Mataya is a great addition to our 2024 roster," Stadler said. "Her experience playing multiple sports has allowed her to grow, learn and be a fierce competitor. Her positivity, strong work ethic and character are what we look for in our athletes and we believe she will fit in well with our program and culture."

Alejandra Briseno joins the Eagles as a 5-9 outside hitter after playing for Hutchinson Community College the previous two seasons. At Hutchinson, Briseno averaged 1.40 kills on .125 hitting and averaged 1.98 digs per set, earning all-conference honorable mention honors. In high school, Briseno was named first-team CONADEIP at high school nationals and was a national champion representing Jalisco in 2021.

""Ale joins us after completing a successful career at Hutchinson CC," Coach Stadler said. "Her personality, grit and team values aligned immediately with our program and we are excited to add her to our roster. We love the experience she brings from her juco and overseas as a 6-rotation pin and feel her combination of terminability, maturity and versatility will be a great addition. "

The final signee is Sofia Langer, a 5-9 setter from Fountain Hills, Arizona. Most recently at Lewis Clark State College, Langer appeared in 72 sets in 25 matches with five starts. She recorded a total of 273 assists and finished second on the team with 3.79 assists per set. Prior to Lewis Clark, Langer had stops at Division I Norfolk State and NJCAA Central Wyoming College. While at CWC, Langer was a two-time all-region selection and was the conferences setter of the year, helping the Rustler's reach a national ranking of ninth in the nation.

""We are thrilled to add Sofie to our roster," Stadler said. "Her personality and mindset for team cohesion really sets her apart. Her ability to facilitate an offense and run a fast tempo and her IQ of the sport will help our offense flourish. "

Fans will be able to watch CSC volleyball and the new signees on August 30, when the team hosts its annual Maroon vs Black scrimmage.