(Photo by WVU Athletics)
If there is one thing Mountaineer Nation loves, it is a head coach that is committed to the Old Gold and Blue. Don Nehlen did it first all the way back in the latter part of the 20th century. The winningest head coach in WVU Football history is largely credited (as he should be) with building WVU into the overall program that it is today. Bob Huggins took over the men’s basketball program in 2007, and has remained in Morgantown since, taking the Mountaineers to heights that they haven’t reached for quite some time. He is now a fan favorite that is adored by the 1.8 million in this great state.
One coach that seemingly always slips through the cracks, however, is WVU Women’s Basketball coach Mike Carey. Now in his 20th season in Morgantown, Carey has the Lady Mountaineers nationally ranked and has led them to a 16-3 overall record, which included an 11-game winning streak.
Even before this season Carey has experienced a plethora of success on the hardwood. During his time at WVU he has compiled 426 total wins, has notched two Big 12 titles (one regular season co-title and one tournament), and has even won multiple conference coach of the year awards. According to WVU, he currently has the highest winning percentage as a head coach for the WVU Women’s Basketball program.
This is an impressive resume for any coach. Unfortunately, since WVU fans usually blatantly ignore the lady’s basketball team all together, Carey is a forgotten commodity. Since we feel that this is inexcusable disrespect to one of the best to ever do it at WVU, we have made it our goal to give the long-tenured Carey all of the recognition in the world moving forward, which he so rightfully deserves.
Commitment is key when it comes to success, and Carey’s commitment to WVU has helped build one of the better women’s basketball programs in the country. It is time we all begin to give these lady’s and coach Carey the attention that they deserve, and regard them as yet another team that we are proud to claim in the Old Gold and Blue.
