In what amounted to a three-month interview, Jordan Olufson proved he was the right person for the job.
Olufson had the ‘acting’ portion of his job title removed as Webster University Athletic Director Tom Hart named him the Gorloks’ women’s basketball coach Tuesday.
“I think Coach Olufson’s commitment to intercollegiate athletics is very much in tune with our departmental expectations,” said Hart. “His work ethic, positive attitude and high standards along with a desire to teach the game and provide leadership are what we were looking for in a head coach.”
Olufson was named Acting Head Coach in October when former head coach Jayme Callahan accepting an assistant coaching position at Southeast Missouri State, a Division I school in Cape Girardeau. Olufson is in his second season with the Gorloks and serving last season as an assistant coach. He started his collegiate coaching career the season prior at Central Missouri State. Olufson scored 1,000 career points during his collegiate career while playing for Ashford University.
“When I took the position, I took it as if I would be the guy,” said Olufson.“I am thrilled to be given the opportunity at Webster University. It’s great to know my vision for the women’s basketball program coincides with the mission of Webster athletics. It’s truly an honor and blessing to have this opportunity. I look forward to bringing success on and off the court, throughout our program.”
At the time of his appointment, Hart put a time frame of the late January to make the decision on Olufson’s future. He detailed that record wouldn’t be the only criteria for naming the head coach.
“Over the last few weeks, we have looked at the development of the program; the level of growth,” said Hart. “There have been a lot of hurdles to clear, and it only strengthened my believe the team was taking positives strides. There was more to the evaluation then wins and losses. Factors included how they handled adversity, the commitment to recruiting and his relationship with the team. We felt the program was headed in the right direction, and want to build on the stable foundation for future growth.”
Webster were 6-3 overall, 1-1 in the SLIAC, at the winter break, one of the best starts in recent history. However, a couple injuries and other factors have caused the Gorloks to go 3-6 since returning for its two-week break. Webster (9-9 overall, 4-6 SLIAC) will travel to Eureka Wednesday for a St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game in Olufson’s first official game at head coach.
ADDITIONAL QUOTES
Head Coach Jordan Olufson
On recruiting
“I have been telling recruits that I was the right guy for the job and (the staff) would fight tooth and nail to get the job and keep the job. The program is going in the right direction and they would be great for the program.”
“I would love to say that being head coach be enough (to sway recruits decisions), but I don’t know. I know that we are comfortable with our relationships. If it helps, that great.”
On his staff and players
“I appreciate the time and patience the coaching staff and players endured during this process of uncertainty.”
