Rare is the coach who embraces the balance of student and athlete like Sherri Coale. Even fewer teams have had success while emphasizing the books on the same level as the balls. The symmetry is a trademark of Coale's program. She meticulously prepares her athletes to excel in the classroom and on the hardwood. In essence, master the game of life and the challenges presented on the court will fall like dominoes.

Those obstacles have routinely been bulldozed during Coale's 17 years as the head coach of Oklahoma. The numbers speak for themselves. Take for example the six Big 12 Regular Season Championships, the 92 Academic All-Big 12 honors, the four Big 12 Tournament Championships, the 14 All-District Academic Team members, the 14 straight NCAA Tournament appearances, the four Academic All-America Team Members, the nine Sweet 16 appearances.

The foundation was laid years ago during a humble upbringing in the oil mining town of Healdton, Okla. Those morals have stood as the roots of Oklahoma women's basketball for more than a decade. Now they are flourishing on an elite level.

So as the Sooners sit on the cusp of a season with the biggest national spotlight in program history already glaring in their eyes, Coale and company are sticking to their roots. And the success that comes with them.

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