News Summary
Nicole Ohlde, a former WNBA champion with the Phoenix Mercury, has successfully transitioned to coaching. As the head assistant coach at Nebraska-Kearney, she influences the next generation of athletes, emphasizing teamwork. Ohlde’s impactful career included impressive stats at Kansas State and a significant role in the Mercury’s championship wins. With a resurgence of interest in Kansas State women’s basketball, her legacy continues to inspire young players.
Manhattan, Kansas – Nicole Ohlde, a former player in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and a three-time champion with the Phoenix Mercury, has transitioned into a successful coaching career after her retirement from professional basketball. Ohlde’s influence on the court continues as she serves as the head assistant coach at Nebraska-Kearney, where she works alongside her husband Drew Johnson.
Ohlde’s journey in basketball began when she was drafted by the Minnesota Lynx in 2004 as the sixth overall pick. That same year, the highly regarded Diana Taurasi was drafted by the Mercury, becoming a pivotal player for the franchise. Ohlde had an impressive collegiate career at Kansas State University, where she averaged 18.4 points, nine rebounds, and 3.2 assists during her standout season, ultimately scoring 2,241 points and ranking third in school history.
During her rookie season with the Lynx, Ohlde made an immediate impact, starting every game and averaging 11.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.3 blocks. She spent five seasons with the Lynx, maintaining her health and presence on the court. In 2009, Ohlde was traded to the Phoenix Mercury in exchange for players Kelly Miller and LaToya Sanders. This trade marked the beginning of a new chapter in her professional career.
In her first season with the Mercury, Ohlde played 21 games off the bench, contributing to the team’s success as they finished the regular season with a notable record of 23-11, matching their successful campaign in 2007. In the postseason, the Mercury showcased their skills by defeating the San Antonio Silver Stars, Los Angeles Sparks, and Indiana Fever, securing the championship title. Throughout these playoffs, Ohlde averaged 2.6 points and 2.7 rebounds, playing a vital part in the team’s overall performance.
After the 2009 championship season, Ohlde started the 2010 season with the Mercury before moving to the Tulsa Shock in exchange for Kara Braxton. She played 12 games for the Shock, starting in nine and averaging 7.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists during her time there. While Ohlde’s tenure with the Mercury was relatively short, her contributions were essential to the team’s historical success.
Transitioning to her coaching career, Ohlde has made a significant impact at the collegiate level. As a coach, she emphasizes the importance of teamwork and selflessness, values that she cultivated during her playing days. Under her guidance, the current Kansas State team, which includes standout center Ayoka Lee, is executing a game plan that draws parallels to Ohlde’s era, showcasing prospects of success.
Interest in Kansas State women’s basketball has seen a resurgence, as attendance figures demonstrate a significant increase compared to previous seasons. Fans of the program are reviving the enthusiasm that Ohlde and her peers had generated during their successful years, pointing to the potential of a bright future for the team.
Overall, Nicole Ohlde’s journey from WNBA champion to an influential coach continues to inspire younger generations of athletes at Kansas State and beyond. Her legacy in basketball is marked not only by her individual achievements but also by her commitment to developing future talents in the sport.
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Additional Resources
- SI.com: Nicole Ohlde
- Wikipedia: Nicole Ohlde
- The Mercury: Nicole Ohlde on Ayoka Lee
- Google Search: Nicole Ohlde
- Kansas.com: College Sports
- Google Scholar: Nicole Ohlde
- The Mercury: Ohlde and Johnson’s Resume
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nicole Ohlde
- CJOnline: Kevin Haskin on Ohlde
- Google News: Nicole Ohlde
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