The Webster University Women's Basketball family is heartbroken by the passing of Assistant Coach Angel Saddler on July 1, 2026.

For nearly two decades, Coach Saddler was much more than an assistant coach. She was a mentor, teacher, recruiter, friend, and unwavering source of encouragement for hundreds of student-athletes who proudly wore the Gorlok uniform. Since joining the Webster coaching staff in June 2007, she helped shape the culture of our program through her passion, loyalty, and genuine love for every player she coached. She has been part of 7 SLIAC Regular Season Championships and has 7 NCAA National Tournament appearances.

Throughout her coaching career, Coach Saddler earned the respect of the basketball community at every level. Before arriving at Webster, she helped lead Meramec Community College to the 2006 Region 16 Championship. She previously served five seasons as the head girls basketball coach at St. Elizabeth Academy and coached AAU basketball with Mathews-Dickey Boys' & Girls' Club from 1995-2002. During her AAU career, she guided teams to four regional championships, six national tournament appearances, and was recognized as the 1998 Girls Basketball Coach of the Year.

At Webster University, Coach Saddler became a cornerstone of one of the most successful eras in program history. Her tireless recruiting efforts throughout St. Louis and the Midwest, commitment to player development, and defensive expertise helped elevate the Gorloks into perennial conference contenders and national tournament participants. She took tremendous pride in developing not only outstanding basketball players, but confident young women prepared to succeed long after graduation.
Coach Saddler was known for her infectious smile, positive spirit, unwavering belief in her players, and her ability to make everyone around her feel valued. Whether she was leading a workout, recruiting future Gorloks, celebrating victories, or offering encouragement during difficult moments, she approached every day with compassion, humility, and purpose.

A graduate of William Jewell College with a bachelor's degree in Communications, Coach Saddler later earned a master's degree in Psychology with a specialization in Sport Psychology from Capella University. Her understanding of both the game and the person behind the player made her an exceptional coach and mentor.

While her accomplishments on the court were remarkable, Coach Saddler's greatest legacy will always be the lives she touched. Generations of Webster student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and colleagues will forever remember her kindness, selflessness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Gorlok family.

Coach Angel Saddler leaves behind a legacy that cannot be measured by wins and championships alone. Her impact lives on through every player she mentored, every colleague she inspired, and every member of the Webster community fortunate enough to know her.

On behalf of Webster University Athletics, we extend our deepest condolences to Coach Saddler's family, friends, former players, colleagues, and all whose lives she touched.

Once a Gorlok, always a Gorlok.
Rest in peace, Coach Angel Saddler.
June 2007 – July 1, 2026

- Jordan Olufson, Head Women's Basketball Coach