Full Transcript: Nikki McCray-Penson Intro Press Conference
April 14, 2020 | Women's Basketball
STARKVILLE – Considered one of the top rising stars in women's college basketball having both playing and coaching experience in multiple Final Fours, Nikki McCray-Penson was introduced as the eighth women's basketball coach in Mississippi State history on Tuesday.
"In many conversations with Nikki, one thing that continued to bubble up to the surface is that she wanted to be here at Mississippi State, which was really important to us," said Director of Athletics John Cohen. "We were looking for a leader in this process. We were looking for a proven winner. We were looking for a dynamic recruiter who connects and mentors student-athletes. I think we have that. We wanted someone who understands, demonstrates and instills discipline while creating a sense of family. We talked to many in this industry. Everyone said the same thing. There was incredibly high praise for Nikki's competitiveness and her personality."
A 2020 WBCA National Coach of the Year finalist, McCray-Penson has won championships at all levels of her basketball career. As a coach, she has been a part of one national championship, four conference championships and four conference tournament championships. As a player, she was a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 1998 World Cup gold medalist while competing for Team USA. She led her Columbus Quest team to the 1997 ABL Championship. During college, she helped Tennessee win three SEC regular-season championships and two SEC Tournament titles.
"This is an unbelievably special moment for me and my family," said McCray-Penson. "I am truly humbled, honored and excited to be named the head women's basketball coach at Mississippi State, one of the premier colleges in one of the premier conferences. Mississippi State women's basketball has a rich history of success. To have the opportunity to work with and impact these young women every single day is truly a blessing. I look forward to putting together a great staff and a team that will help us build on this history. My intention is to recruit and develop young women of high character who will help us become champions on the court, in the classroom and in the community."
Named the 2020 C-USA Coach of the Year, McCray-Penson comes to Starkville after spending the last three seasons as the head coach at Old Dominion. She led the Monarchs to a 24-6 record, a second-place finish in the conference standings and an RPI ranking of 33 to end the year. It was the second season in a row that ODU had won at least 20 games, an accomplishment that hadn't been achieved since 2006-08.
"I am so grateful and blessed to now be the head coach at Mississippi State," said McCray-Penson in her opening statement. "I look forward to getting started immediately. Hail State! Go Dawgs!"
Below is the full transcript of head coach Nikki McCray-Penson's introductory press conference on April 14, 2020, featuring the introduction from Director of Athletics John Cohen.
Director of Athletics John Cohen
Opening Statement
"Thank you all for being here. To all of our friends out there who are affected by COVID-19, or the recent storms that went through the deep South, our thoughts and prayers are with you today. I want to thank Ann Carr, Bracky Brett, Bo Hemphill, Leah Beasley, Eric George, and Brandon Jolly for all of their help with the search. I want to thank Dr. Mark Keenum, who has provided extraordinary leadership for Mississippi State University during these challenging times. I also want to thank our women's basketball student-athletes for their resiliency, their input and their support during this past week. One of the major reasons Coach McCray-Penson chose to come to Mississippi State is because of the student-athletes.
"We were looking for a leader in this process. We were looking for a proven winner. We were looking for a dynamic recruiter who connects and mentors student-athletes. I think we have that. We wanted someone who understands, demonstrates and instills discipline while creating a sense of family. We talked to many in this industry. Everyone said the same thing. There was incredibly high praise for Nikki's competitiveness and her personality. We talked about her ability to recruit and her attention to detail. Also, her ability to breakdown the game of basketball.
"Nikki is no stranger to the Southeastern Conference. She has won at every level of the game, both as an athlete and a coach. She has reached the Final Four as a player and a coach. She has won a National Championship as a coach. I find this very interesting. You want to talk about a winner? Nikki has been part of 17 different championships as a player and a coach. As a player at the University of Tennessee, she was on teams that went 122-11 in her time there. She is one of the best defensive players to have ever played the game. She is a two-time SEC Player of the Year, a two time All-American and a two-time gold medalist. She is a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and a three-time WNBA All Star, who totaled 2,500+ points during her WNBA career. She was a selected member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 2000. Most recently, the 2020 WBCA National Coach of the Year finalist and the 2020 C-USA Coach of the Year.
"In many conversations with Nikki, one thing that continued to bubble up to the surface is that she wanted to be here at Mississippi State, which was really important to us. It's at this point that I would like to formally welcome Nikki's husband, Thomas, and her son, Thomas Nikson, and present to you our new basketball coach at Mississippi State University, Nikki McCray-Penson."
Women's Basketball Head Coach Nikki McCray-Penson
Opening Statement
"First of all, I want to say thanks to all the media that are joining us today. Thank you, John, for the wonderful opening remarks. I want to say thank you to God through whom all blessings flow. I want to reiterate what John just said. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the devastating tornado that came through Mississippi and the neighboring states. Also, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I want to first thank the responders and healthcare workers as they continue to help people stay safe and healthy.
"This is an unbelievably special moment for me and my family. I am truly humbled, honored and excited to be named the head women's basketball coach at Mississippi State, one of the premier colleges in one of the premier conferences.
"Congratulations to Coach Vic Schaefer for leading the dawgs to back-to-back trips to the Final Four in 2017 and 2018 and five consecutive SEC Championship game appearances. Those are incredible accomplishments. My expectations for the program are to continue to build on this tradition and to compete for SEC Championships and National Championships every year.
"I grew up in Collierville, Tennessee. Not too far from Starkville, so I'm very familiar with this region. The relationships that I still have in Tennessee, coupled with the relationships I formed with players, coaches, fans and sponsors throughout the SEC is deeply rooted in my DNA. When you are a part of a team, there is nothing more important than relationships formed with your team and the relationships you cultivate throughout your career. I will continue to build these relationships and look forward to developing new relationships with our players, administrators, fans and sponsors.
"I have been a part of some great programs and staffs. I have worked alongside and with some great coaches. Starting with my playing time at Tennessee, USA basketball coaches, representing them in the Olympics, and my WNBA coaches. I was able to work alongside Mary Taylor Cowles at Western Kentucky and Dawn Staley for nine years at South Carolina, and most recently, my coaching staff at Old Dominion. I am confident that each of these experiences have prepared me for this opportunity.
"Mississippi State women's basketball has a rich history of success. To have the opportunity to work with and impact these young women every single day is truly a blessing. I look forward to putting together a great staff and a team that will help us build on this history. My intention is to recruit and develop young women of high character who will help us become champions on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
"I have so many people to thank who have made this journey possible. First, I want to thank my husband, Thomas, and my son, Thomas Nikson. It is not easy being the husband of a coach, but Thomas has been with me every step of the way. I will tell you; you do not find many men that encourage their wives and do such a great job of providing unconditional support. I would like to thank my mother-in-law, Dorthy Penson, for her sacrifice to help care for our son and give us peace of mind to do our jobs. Thomas, Thomas Nixon, my mother in law, and I are really excited to join the Bulldog community. I would like to thank President Keenum and Director of Athletics, John Cohen, for their confidence and faith. I was thoroughly impressed with them as people and their love and passion for the university, Mississippi State athletics and the women's basketball program. When John said and I quote, he was looking for a 'relentless recruiter, someone who understood the deep meaning of family, someone who understood Mississippi State culture, a hungry competitor with an elite work ethic. We want someone who knows the game inside and out and has an innovative skillset.' He was describing me to a tee.
"I could not be more excited to immerse myself into the Mississippi State family. I also want to thank the search committee. I am looking forward to working with all of you. Finally, I want to thank the incredible Old Dominion University family. Starting with President Broderick, Mrs. Broderick and Dr. Sealy, thank you for your love and support, and I will cherish those relationships forever.
"I have been taught to surround yourself with great people. I am so grateful and blessed to now be the head coach at Mississippi State. I look forward to getting started immediately. Hail State. Go Dawgs."
Q: How would you describe your team's identity and how do you think past coaches have shaped that for you?
NMP: "My team's identity will be similar to how I played the game. If you've ever seen me play, I did the little things, and I took a lot of pride in that. If you watched our team at Old Dominion, we're a team that is going to play very fast. We're going to put a lot of pressure on you. We're going to have an identity where we step out onto the court and you're going to know that. It's going to be a fun, exciting brand of basketball. My time at Tennessee, we played tough defense. That's what we were known for. Defense wins championships. My time at South Carolina, we ran the ball. We pounded the ball inside to the post. My time with USA basketball, I was around great players where we went up and down and were able to score at a fast rate. All of those things have really kind of shaped me. My vision of how I want our teams to play is I want our team to play the way I played. Played with heart, fun and excitement."
Q: Tell me about your initial conversation with the players. How excited are they that you are their new head coach?
NMP: "That's really important to me, building relationships with them. The conversations are going really well. They're really excited. For me, it's really about listening to them right now and just getting a feel for them and letting them get a feel for me. I've been asking them what things I need to do to help speed this up. Just really learning their personalities and really asking them what they need. That's really important. When you step into something like this, you want to make them feel a part of something and that's what I'm doing right now. It's been great. They are tremendous players and awesome people."
Q: Was there any worry that some of them may want to go elsewhere are that you may have to work really hard to retain them?
NMP: "I talked to them about their 'Why?' Where in unprecedented times right now and things are changing with a coaching change, COVID-19, all these things. We just talked about why they chose a great university in Mississippi State. They love it. They love everything about it, from the fans to the community to the athletic administration, and they love that. Those were great things to hear."
Q: What's your perspective on what this program is now that you have taken over compared to what it was back when you were a player?
NMP: "This program is one of the best programs in the country. When I pick up the phone and say I'm the head coach of Mississippi State, they know who we are. Obviously, Vic [Schaefer] has done a great job in that. This program has so much tradition and history where they've won by setting a standard and playing in back to back Final Fours in 2017 and 2018. Women's basketball is very popular, and it's been really good to see the growth in women's basketball across the country. I'm just really excited to be a part of this brand of basketball. It's very popular, and everyone in America knows Mississippi State women's basketball."
Q: What mentality are you going to bring with you to MSU? Knowing and being a coach in the SEC how do you think Pat Summitt would feel about it?
NMP: "I think the mentality is a winning mentality. Getting to Old Dominion, I had to teach kids how to win. That's what I knew. I've been around winning programs my whole life. I took a really good blueprint from Tennessee and from South Carolina. I took that to Old Dominion, and I kind of shaped it the way that it fits me and my personality. I'm a competitor. My DNA is winning championships. I want to be playing on the last day every season. That is a beautiful thing. I know what it feels like, and I know what it tastes likes. It's a beautiful thing. So, just getting our kids to understand that and the progress towards that. This university is used to that. This women's basketball team is used to that, so they already have it we just have to sustain it. I think Coach Pat Summitt would be very proud. That's legacy, when you play for a great coach and they impact your life in so many ways. So now, there's a lot of her players that coach in this league and there's a lot of her players that coach in general. She's left a legacy in women's basketball and a tree of coaches that can carry on her tradition."
Q: When your head coaching career started, how often was it in the back of your mind that you would eventually end up coaching in the SEC?
NMP: "For me, it's just be where your feet are. Wherever I am that's where I am. I don't coach to get back into the SEC. I just coach where I am and to be the best I am for where I am. The success will follow, but as a competitor, you want to win. It's also how you win and getting young players to understand what that looks like. For me, coming into Old Dominion, I had to create a culture of what that looks like. Every year, we got better, but we became better people along the way. That impact was really powerful, because when your empowering each other to be the best that you can be, then the wins are going to come. That was really special for me. "
Q: How weird is the hiring process for you in the middle of a pandemic?
NMP: "It's our new normal. I've really enjoyed talking to everyone on the committee. What I found was their love and passion for the university. Those are things that you cannot fake, you have to feel. Even when I stepped on campus, I could just see it. It means something to them. This university means something to them. They carry it with a lot of pride. When you say, 'I play, coach, work at Mississippi State,' you say that with pride. That's what I felt. It's carries weight."
Q: If you could talk to Pat Summitt right now, what would you ask her and what would she say about you being the head coach at MSU?
NMP: "If I could talk to Pat, number one, I would thank her everything she has instilled in me. A big part of who I am is because she shaped me. That would be the biggest thing, to thank her for what she has done for me and for so many people that she's touched. That is critical. I believe she would tell me how proud she was of me. She would tell me that I am prepared for this because of who I am and how I'm built. That right there would mean a lot. I'm so thankful not only for Pat but for all the great coaches. Like I said, USA basketball coaches being along-side Dawn Staley for nine years and being able to be in the midst of that. You learn that every opportunity you've been given is to be able to learn and grow yourself and be able to be in a position now to be able to facilitate that. That to me has been wonderful."
Q: As a freshman playing for Pat Summitt, you had trouble being on time. How did that get resolved for you and what did you learn from that as a young lady?
NMP: "I learned that pretty quickly. I learned that time management was very important. That's one of the things that I really preached to the young ladies at Old Dominion. That's something we're going to talk about a lot at Mississippi State is about time. Being respectful of their time and being respectful of everyone's time, but you have to be on time. You have to be there the first five minutes. Don't just come when it's time to get on the bus. We want to be ready to go. I learned that pretty quickly."
Q: What are your thoughts on the roster? What about them makes you excited going into your first year?
NMP: "Obviously, the cupboard is not bare. I came into a situation where you only lose, really, only one starter. Seventy percent of the offense returns, [you returned] your top-two scorers, rebounders, but everybody played. To me, they have the experience of playing and what it takes to compete and win in the SEC. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, they were not able to play in the NCAA Tournament, but we know that that's where they were going. But to have that experience come back, it is refreshing. Right now, it's continuing to try to figure out ways to keep them active, to keep them working on their craft and to keep that love for the game because they're at home. There's no accountability right now, but they're excited. I've talked to them, and most of them want to come back and get in the gym. But we can't do that. To have the majority of the roster back is exciting."
Q: Is there anything you're looking forward to trying while living in the Magnolia State?
NMP: "When I came down there, I can't remember and John [Cohen] may need to help me out here, but we went to this one place, and I'm telling you, the food was absolutely great. I had catfish, fried okra, it was really good. So, when I [move] down to Mississippi State, I'm going there."
Q: How tough is it to play against your friends at South Carolina? How much will you reflect on the rise of South Carolina that you helped build?
NMP: "I think when you're a competitor, you don't have friends. That's just the way it is. Dawn [Staley] and I have always been like that, even playing against each other in our WNBA careers. We only get together after the game is over. Don't call me, none of that. We don't do that because we're competitors and that's what makes us who we are. I'm excited. I'm excited about the opportunity to compete against all the teams in the SEC. Obviously, just being able to sit alongside Dawn after nine years, and we built the program to win a national championship in 2017. That was a process, but we once we got it rolling, it felt pretty good. You're able to get the kids in there that understand the culture and just wanted to win. It's the same thing here. It's really about relationships and getting your kids in here. Again, building relationships with these kids is really important right now to me so that they know who I am, and I know who they are. That is just really conversation."
Q: What did you learn in your past years with Old Dominion that you can bring to your new position?
NMP: "Again, it's about relationships. When I got to Old Dominion, I had no idea who those players were. You have to get them to know you in order to buy in to the system, buy in to the division, and all of those things. Sometimes that takes time. Once I got my kids in year two and year three, obviously things started to take off, even though I had a relationship with most of those kids. When you have a relationship with people and they know who you are and what you stand for, it makes it a little easier to buy in. Again, that's why it's so critical right now for that piece. This team, they've been very successful with a 27-6 record and second in the SEC. It is now the relationship because nothing has changed as far as why they came to Mississippi State. They came to a great university. They want to win a national championship. The pieces are still here to do that, and we want to keep that intact. Now, it's just getting all of them on the same page and building that relationship."
Q: Being so acquainted to so many big names in the SEC, do you feel like that gives you an advantage?
NMP: "Definitely. This is, again, everybody wants to have a chance to come to one of the premier conferences and, obviously, the SEC is that. The best coaches are here. Dawn Staley is the National Coach of the Year, so having a chance to go up against those coaches is great. But yes, I've only been removed for three years, so I still have scouting reports on all the coaches of the teams. Just knowing the league, the physicality of the league, the speed of the league, the type of recruit you have to be in this league, how you have to be on all the time for special situations, all of those things. Knowing that I've been here and played in this league, I know what to expect."
Q: How different is it to go from a team like Old Dominion to a team that is expecting to compete for a national championship this year?
NMP: "I think that's the beauty of it. For me taking on this job, all of it was being able to connect with people. But also, this is a top-10 program. Nothing has changed about that. I want to win national championships. That's my DNA. I want to win SEC Championships, and we will. To come into a program that is known for that, where the fan base has already really established that, where you're in a position where you create a home-court advantage every single night, that is really awesome. And again, it's just sustaining it. I'm just really excited about that."
Q: When building a staff, what are some things that you look for and what is your timeline on completing a staff for Mississippi State?
NMP: "It's been really important for me right now to building a relationship with the kids. Those are the things that I'm asking them. 'What do you want to see in a staff?' My staff will be built around their needs. I have to take that into consideration because that's really important to me. That's what we're doing right now. When I'm talking to our kids, I'm asking them those things. What would they like to see in a staff?"
Q: How much of the lessons that you've learned when it comes to seeking out players, and how much does it come down to change in style based on personnel?
NMP: "I think that you want to recruit players that fit your system, that fit your culture, that fit the mission of the school. All of that is important. When it comes to style in play, you want to be able to have players that can just come in and be able to do what you want and have that skill set. That's very important. I look at that. When we're out recruiting, [I am] looking at the high character. Not just from athletically but academically as well, but they have to perform on the court. You want to be able to give them the freedom to do that. Now days, kids want to play fast. They do. You watch Steph Curry, you watch James Harden, the three ball, that's what they want to do. You want them to be able to express themselves and be in position to where we're playing high intensity in a fun style of basketball. That's what I like to do. My style is similar to what Vic [Schaefer] runs, and I had a chance to spend a lot of time with him with USA Basketball, and we talked a lot about our styles. Obviously, having a chance to compete against him when I was in the SEC, I knew a little bit about the dribble-drive, but now, I know a lot about it. It's fun. It is a fun style, and I think our kids will really enjoy it."
Q: How does it feel to be a woman of color in a leadership position in the SEC and what do you think this means for basketball society now and in the future?
NMP: "I think that's very important. For me, it's about leaving a legacy. It's also about setting an example for future generations. That is what was set for me with Vivian C. Stringer. She set that example for Dawn [Staley] and Carolyn Peck. It's really about leaving that legacy and setting that example for the future generations."
Q: How has your relationship with Dawn Staley influenced your life?
NMP: "Dawn has been very instrumental. When I came to the Olympic team, there are certain people that you gravitate to. She's one that has been very honest at all times and she's a giver. She wants people around her to be successful. Again, a lot of my success has come, especially on the playing field, through her. She has put me in a position to be successful on the court as a teammate. When I was at South Carolina as an assistant coach, she groomed me to be a head coach. She challenged me in so many ways and I'm just so grateful for that because now I'm a part of her coaching tree, as well. I know that means a lot to her. We're sisters. I can call her, and she will be there at the drop of a dime. I always tell her that there is nothing we haven't been through together. Now, to be able to coach against her and all the other great coaches in this league is really exciting."
Q: How much did you lean on Coach Staley when making this decision?
NMP: "Well I leaned on her a lot. Dawn has experience on different levels of coaching with USA basketball, coaching at a mid-major, going from a mid-major to this conference. It was really good to see her maturation in this and have her give me some knowledge on that. Obviously, she's a competitor and loves the SEC. She just told me what a great opportunity this is. No one really gets the chance to walk into a program like this. It's different than when we came to South Carolina because we had to build it up. She gave me a lot of good information and was really just rooting for me."
Q: Do you have any particular timeline when it comes to hiring assistant coaches?
NMP: "It's just playing it by ear right now. The more I talk to our kids, I'm talking with them daily, and that is getting them to open up to me. It's really about them right now. That is the most important thing. Just making sure I listen to their needs is really critical in making them feel a part of it."
Q: How do you anticipate filling up the scholarship openings that you have?
NMP: "Obviously, recruiting is the lifeline for what we do. Right now, we're in communication with players. I will tell you we're going to get players in there that fit our culture. They have to fit our brand and we know we are a national brand right now."
Q: What have your conversations been like with Madison Hayes?
NMP: "Well, I've talked to all of them and they have been great. I'm talking to them and I'm talking with their families. I haven't talked with all the families yet, but that process is happening. They're great. They're just learning who I am and getting a feel for me. I'm asking them questions and they're asking me questions. It's about them feeling me out. As we move forward, it's more about learning the vision, the style of play, and where they see themselves. That's where we're getting to next. It's just getting a feel for them and their needs. All the conversations have been great, and everyone is awesome."
Q: What was it like when you got the call from Mississippi State?
NMP: "First of all, I was just so honored and thankful that John [Cohen] called. I was able to talk to the committee. What I was more impressed by was to hear how much they loved Mississippi State. That's something that really resonated with me. When you're passionate about something that means you care about it. They care about their student-athletes. They care about the program. They want the right people to be a part of the program and fit what they're trying to do. So just to even call me and look at me as a fit was, truly, an honor."
Q: Is the talent here in Mississippi going to be a priority target for you?
NMP: "Without question. Anytime any school you're at is associated with a state you're going to want to make sure you're taking care of the state. That is the number one priority. Making sure we're in touch with the high school coaches, the [junior college] coaches, and the AAU coaches. Just building that relationship is really key. When I was at South Carolina, we recruited here. That's why I'm very familiar with the area, some of the high schools, and some of the coaches. I just can't wait to get on the phone with them. Some of them have reached out to me and have been so happy to see me here as well as a lot of other people. So that has been very refreshing. Without question we want the best player in the state to be a Bulldog."
For more information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's basketball on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateWBK."
"In many conversations with Nikki, one thing that continued to bubble up to the surface is that she wanted to be here at Mississippi State, which was really important to us," said Director of Athletics John Cohen. "We were looking for a leader in this process. We were looking for a proven winner. We were looking for a dynamic recruiter who connects and mentors student-athletes. I think we have that. We wanted someone who understands, demonstrates and instills discipline while creating a sense of family. We talked to many in this industry. Everyone said the same thing. There was incredibly high praise for Nikki's competitiveness and her personality."
A 2020 WBCA National Coach of the Year finalist, McCray-Penson has won championships at all levels of her basketball career. As a coach, she has been a part of one national championship, four conference championships and four conference tournament championships. As a player, she was a two-time Olympic gold medalist and 1998 World Cup gold medalist while competing for Team USA. She led her Columbus Quest team to the 1997 ABL Championship. During college, she helped Tennessee win three SEC regular-season championships and two SEC Tournament titles.
"This is an unbelievably special moment for me and my family," said McCray-Penson. "I am truly humbled, honored and excited to be named the head women's basketball coach at Mississippi State, one of the premier colleges in one of the premier conferences. Mississippi State women's basketball has a rich history of success. To have the opportunity to work with and impact these young women every single day is truly a blessing. I look forward to putting together a great staff and a team that will help us build on this history. My intention is to recruit and develop young women of high character who will help us become champions on the court, in the classroom and in the community."
Named the 2020 C-USA Coach of the Year, McCray-Penson comes to Starkville after spending the last three seasons as the head coach at Old Dominion. She led the Monarchs to a 24-6 record, a second-place finish in the conference standings and an RPI ranking of 33 to end the year. It was the second season in a row that ODU had won at least 20 games, an accomplishment that hadn't been achieved since 2006-08.
"I am so grateful and blessed to now be the head coach at Mississippi State," said McCray-Penson in her opening statement. "I look forward to getting started immediately. Hail State! Go Dawgs!"
Below is the full transcript of head coach Nikki McCray-Penson's introductory press conference on April 14, 2020, featuring the introduction from Director of Athletics John Cohen.
Director of Athletics John Cohen
Opening Statement
"Thank you all for being here. To all of our friends out there who are affected by COVID-19, or the recent storms that went through the deep South, our thoughts and prayers are with you today. I want to thank Ann Carr, Bracky Brett, Bo Hemphill, Leah Beasley, Eric George, and Brandon Jolly for all of their help with the search. I want to thank Dr. Mark Keenum, who has provided extraordinary leadership for Mississippi State University during these challenging times. I also want to thank our women's basketball student-athletes for their resiliency, their input and their support during this past week. One of the major reasons Coach McCray-Penson chose to come to Mississippi State is because of the student-athletes.
"We were looking for a leader in this process. We were looking for a proven winner. We were looking for a dynamic recruiter who connects and mentors student-athletes. I think we have that. We wanted someone who understands, demonstrates and instills discipline while creating a sense of family. We talked to many in this industry. Everyone said the same thing. There was incredibly high praise for Nikki's competitiveness and her personality. We talked about her ability to recruit and her attention to detail. Also, her ability to breakdown the game of basketball.
"Nikki is no stranger to the Southeastern Conference. She has won at every level of the game, both as an athlete and a coach. She has reached the Final Four as a player and a coach. She has won a National Championship as a coach. I find this very interesting. You want to talk about a winner? Nikki has been part of 17 different championships as a player and a coach. As a player at the University of Tennessee, she was on teams that went 122-11 in her time there. She is one of the best defensive players to have ever played the game. She is a two-time SEC Player of the Year, a two time All-American and a two-time gold medalist. She is a member of the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and a three-time WNBA All Star, who totaled 2,500+ points during her WNBA career. She was a selected member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports in 2000. Most recently, the 2020 WBCA National Coach of the Year finalist and the 2020 C-USA Coach of the Year.
"In many conversations with Nikki, one thing that continued to bubble up to the surface is that she wanted to be here at Mississippi State, which was really important to us. It's at this point that I would like to formally welcome Nikki's husband, Thomas, and her son, Thomas Nikson, and present to you our new basketball coach at Mississippi State University, Nikki McCray-Penson."
Women's Basketball Head Coach Nikki McCray-Penson
Opening Statement
"First of all, I want to say thanks to all the media that are joining us today. Thank you, John, for the wonderful opening remarks. I want to say thank you to God through whom all blessings flow. I want to reiterate what John just said. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the devastating tornado that came through Mississippi and the neighboring states. Also, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, I want to first thank the responders and healthcare workers as they continue to help people stay safe and healthy.
"This is an unbelievably special moment for me and my family. I am truly humbled, honored and excited to be named the head women's basketball coach at Mississippi State, one of the premier colleges in one of the premier conferences.
"Congratulations to Coach Vic Schaefer for leading the dawgs to back-to-back trips to the Final Four in 2017 and 2018 and five consecutive SEC Championship game appearances. Those are incredible accomplishments. My expectations for the program are to continue to build on this tradition and to compete for SEC Championships and National Championships every year.
"I grew up in Collierville, Tennessee. Not too far from Starkville, so I'm very familiar with this region. The relationships that I still have in Tennessee, coupled with the relationships I formed with players, coaches, fans and sponsors throughout the SEC is deeply rooted in my DNA. When you are a part of a team, there is nothing more important than relationships formed with your team and the relationships you cultivate throughout your career. I will continue to build these relationships and look forward to developing new relationships with our players, administrators, fans and sponsors.
"I have been a part of some great programs and staffs. I have worked alongside and with some great coaches. Starting with my playing time at Tennessee, USA basketball coaches, representing them in the Olympics, and my WNBA coaches. I was able to work alongside Mary Taylor Cowles at Western Kentucky and Dawn Staley for nine years at South Carolina, and most recently, my coaching staff at Old Dominion. I am confident that each of these experiences have prepared me for this opportunity.
"Mississippi State women's basketball has a rich history of success. To have the opportunity to work with and impact these young women every single day is truly a blessing. I look forward to putting together a great staff and a team that will help us build on this history. My intention is to recruit and develop young women of high character who will help us become champions on the court, in the classroom and in the community.
"I have so many people to thank who have made this journey possible. First, I want to thank my husband, Thomas, and my son, Thomas Nikson. It is not easy being the husband of a coach, but Thomas has been with me every step of the way. I will tell you; you do not find many men that encourage their wives and do such a great job of providing unconditional support. I would like to thank my mother-in-law, Dorthy Penson, for her sacrifice to help care for our son and give us peace of mind to do our jobs. Thomas, Thomas Nixon, my mother in law, and I are really excited to join the Bulldog community. I would like to thank President Keenum and Director of Athletics, John Cohen, for their confidence and faith. I was thoroughly impressed with them as people and their love and passion for the university, Mississippi State athletics and the women's basketball program. When John said and I quote, he was looking for a 'relentless recruiter, someone who understood the deep meaning of family, someone who understood Mississippi State culture, a hungry competitor with an elite work ethic. We want someone who knows the game inside and out and has an innovative skillset.' He was describing me to a tee.
"I could not be more excited to immerse myself into the Mississippi State family. I also want to thank the search committee. I am looking forward to working with all of you. Finally, I want to thank the incredible Old Dominion University family. Starting with President Broderick, Mrs. Broderick and Dr. Sealy, thank you for your love and support, and I will cherish those relationships forever.
"I have been taught to surround yourself with great people. I am so grateful and blessed to now be the head coach at Mississippi State. I look forward to getting started immediately. Hail State. Go Dawgs."
Q: How would you describe your team's identity and how do you think past coaches have shaped that for you?
NMP: "My team's identity will be similar to how I played the game. If you've ever seen me play, I did the little things, and I took a lot of pride in that. If you watched our team at Old Dominion, we're a team that is going to play very fast. We're going to put a lot of pressure on you. We're going to have an identity where we step out onto the court and you're going to know that. It's going to be a fun, exciting brand of basketball. My time at Tennessee, we played tough defense. That's what we were known for. Defense wins championships. My time at South Carolina, we ran the ball. We pounded the ball inside to the post. My time with USA basketball, I was around great players where we went up and down and were able to score at a fast rate. All of those things have really kind of shaped me. My vision of how I want our teams to play is I want our team to play the way I played. Played with heart, fun and excitement."
Q: Tell me about your initial conversation with the players. How excited are they that you are their new head coach?
NMP: "That's really important to me, building relationships with them. The conversations are going really well. They're really excited. For me, it's really about listening to them right now and just getting a feel for them and letting them get a feel for me. I've been asking them what things I need to do to help speed this up. Just really learning their personalities and really asking them what they need. That's really important. When you step into something like this, you want to make them feel a part of something and that's what I'm doing right now. It's been great. They are tremendous players and awesome people."
Q: Was there any worry that some of them may want to go elsewhere are that you may have to work really hard to retain them?
NMP: "I talked to them about their 'Why?' Where in unprecedented times right now and things are changing with a coaching change, COVID-19, all these things. We just talked about why they chose a great university in Mississippi State. They love it. They love everything about it, from the fans to the community to the athletic administration, and they love that. Those were great things to hear."
Q: What's your perspective on what this program is now that you have taken over compared to what it was back when you were a player?
NMP: "This program is one of the best programs in the country. When I pick up the phone and say I'm the head coach of Mississippi State, they know who we are. Obviously, Vic [Schaefer] has done a great job in that. This program has so much tradition and history where they've won by setting a standard and playing in back to back Final Fours in 2017 and 2018. Women's basketball is very popular, and it's been really good to see the growth in women's basketball across the country. I'm just really excited to be a part of this brand of basketball. It's very popular, and everyone in America knows Mississippi State women's basketball."
Q: What mentality are you going to bring with you to MSU? Knowing and being a coach in the SEC how do you think Pat Summitt would feel about it?
NMP: "I think the mentality is a winning mentality. Getting to Old Dominion, I had to teach kids how to win. That's what I knew. I've been around winning programs my whole life. I took a really good blueprint from Tennessee and from South Carolina. I took that to Old Dominion, and I kind of shaped it the way that it fits me and my personality. I'm a competitor. My DNA is winning championships. I want to be playing on the last day every season. That is a beautiful thing. I know what it feels like, and I know what it tastes likes. It's a beautiful thing. So, just getting our kids to understand that and the progress towards that. This university is used to that. This women's basketball team is used to that, so they already have it we just have to sustain it. I think Coach Pat Summitt would be very proud. That's legacy, when you play for a great coach and they impact your life in so many ways. So now, there's a lot of her players that coach in this league and there's a lot of her players that coach in general. She's left a legacy in women's basketball and a tree of coaches that can carry on her tradition."
Q: When your head coaching career started, how often was it in the back of your mind that you would eventually end up coaching in the SEC?
NMP: "For me, it's just be where your feet are. Wherever I am that's where I am. I don't coach to get back into the SEC. I just coach where I am and to be the best I am for where I am. The success will follow, but as a competitor, you want to win. It's also how you win and getting young players to understand what that looks like. For me, coming into Old Dominion, I had to create a culture of what that looks like. Every year, we got better, but we became better people along the way. That impact was really powerful, because when your empowering each other to be the best that you can be, then the wins are going to come. That was really special for me. "
Q: How weird is the hiring process for you in the middle of a pandemic?
NMP: "It's our new normal. I've really enjoyed talking to everyone on the committee. What I found was their love and passion for the university. Those are things that you cannot fake, you have to feel. Even when I stepped on campus, I could just see it. It means something to them. This university means something to them. They carry it with a lot of pride. When you say, 'I play, coach, work at Mississippi State,' you say that with pride. That's what I felt. It's carries weight."
Q: If you could talk to Pat Summitt right now, what would you ask her and what would she say about you being the head coach at MSU?
NMP: "If I could talk to Pat, number one, I would thank her everything she has instilled in me. A big part of who I am is because she shaped me. That would be the biggest thing, to thank her for what she has done for me and for so many people that she's touched. That is critical. I believe she would tell me how proud she was of me. She would tell me that I am prepared for this because of who I am and how I'm built. That right there would mean a lot. I'm so thankful not only for Pat but for all the great coaches. Like I said, USA basketball coaches being along-side Dawn Staley for nine years and being able to be in the midst of that. You learn that every opportunity you've been given is to be able to learn and grow yourself and be able to be in a position now to be able to facilitate that. That to me has been wonderful."
Q: As a freshman playing for Pat Summitt, you had trouble being on time. How did that get resolved for you and what did you learn from that as a young lady?
NMP: "I learned that pretty quickly. I learned that time management was very important. That's one of the things that I really preached to the young ladies at Old Dominion. That's something we're going to talk about a lot at Mississippi State is about time. Being respectful of their time and being respectful of everyone's time, but you have to be on time. You have to be there the first five minutes. Don't just come when it's time to get on the bus. We want to be ready to go. I learned that pretty quickly."
Q: What are your thoughts on the roster? What about them makes you excited going into your first year?
NMP: "Obviously, the cupboard is not bare. I came into a situation where you only lose, really, only one starter. Seventy percent of the offense returns, [you returned] your top-two scorers, rebounders, but everybody played. To me, they have the experience of playing and what it takes to compete and win in the SEC. Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, they were not able to play in the NCAA Tournament, but we know that that's where they were going. But to have that experience come back, it is refreshing. Right now, it's continuing to try to figure out ways to keep them active, to keep them working on their craft and to keep that love for the game because they're at home. There's no accountability right now, but they're excited. I've talked to them, and most of them want to come back and get in the gym. But we can't do that. To have the majority of the roster back is exciting."
Q: Is there anything you're looking forward to trying while living in the Magnolia State?
NMP: "When I came down there, I can't remember and John [Cohen] may need to help me out here, but we went to this one place, and I'm telling you, the food was absolutely great. I had catfish, fried okra, it was really good. So, when I [move] down to Mississippi State, I'm going there."
Q: How tough is it to play against your friends at South Carolina? How much will you reflect on the rise of South Carolina that you helped build?
NMP: "I think when you're a competitor, you don't have friends. That's just the way it is. Dawn [Staley] and I have always been like that, even playing against each other in our WNBA careers. We only get together after the game is over. Don't call me, none of that. We don't do that because we're competitors and that's what makes us who we are. I'm excited. I'm excited about the opportunity to compete against all the teams in the SEC. Obviously, just being able to sit alongside Dawn after nine years, and we built the program to win a national championship in 2017. That was a process, but we once we got it rolling, it felt pretty good. You're able to get the kids in there that understand the culture and just wanted to win. It's the same thing here. It's really about relationships and getting your kids in here. Again, building relationships with these kids is really important right now to me so that they know who I am, and I know who they are. That is just really conversation."
Q: What did you learn in your past years with Old Dominion that you can bring to your new position?
NMP: "Again, it's about relationships. When I got to Old Dominion, I had no idea who those players were. You have to get them to know you in order to buy in to the system, buy in to the division, and all of those things. Sometimes that takes time. Once I got my kids in year two and year three, obviously things started to take off, even though I had a relationship with most of those kids. When you have a relationship with people and they know who you are and what you stand for, it makes it a little easier to buy in. Again, that's why it's so critical right now for that piece. This team, they've been very successful with a 27-6 record and second in the SEC. It is now the relationship because nothing has changed as far as why they came to Mississippi State. They came to a great university. They want to win a national championship. The pieces are still here to do that, and we want to keep that intact. Now, it's just getting all of them on the same page and building that relationship."
Q: Being so acquainted to so many big names in the SEC, do you feel like that gives you an advantage?
NMP: "Definitely. This is, again, everybody wants to have a chance to come to one of the premier conferences and, obviously, the SEC is that. The best coaches are here. Dawn Staley is the National Coach of the Year, so having a chance to go up against those coaches is great. But yes, I've only been removed for three years, so I still have scouting reports on all the coaches of the teams. Just knowing the league, the physicality of the league, the speed of the league, the type of recruit you have to be in this league, how you have to be on all the time for special situations, all of those things. Knowing that I've been here and played in this league, I know what to expect."
Q: How different is it to go from a team like Old Dominion to a team that is expecting to compete for a national championship this year?
NMP: "I think that's the beauty of it. For me taking on this job, all of it was being able to connect with people. But also, this is a top-10 program. Nothing has changed about that. I want to win national championships. That's my DNA. I want to win SEC Championships, and we will. To come into a program that is known for that, where the fan base has already really established that, where you're in a position where you create a home-court advantage every single night, that is really awesome. And again, it's just sustaining it. I'm just really excited about that."
Q: When building a staff, what are some things that you look for and what is your timeline on completing a staff for Mississippi State?
NMP: "It's been really important for me right now to building a relationship with the kids. Those are the things that I'm asking them. 'What do you want to see in a staff?' My staff will be built around their needs. I have to take that into consideration because that's really important to me. That's what we're doing right now. When I'm talking to our kids, I'm asking them those things. What would they like to see in a staff?"
Q: How much of the lessons that you've learned when it comes to seeking out players, and how much does it come down to change in style based on personnel?
NMP: "I think that you want to recruit players that fit your system, that fit your culture, that fit the mission of the school. All of that is important. When it comes to style in play, you want to be able to have players that can just come in and be able to do what you want and have that skill set. That's very important. I look at that. When we're out recruiting, [I am] looking at the high character. Not just from athletically but academically as well, but they have to perform on the court. You want to be able to give them the freedom to do that. Now days, kids want to play fast. They do. You watch Steph Curry, you watch James Harden, the three ball, that's what they want to do. You want them to be able to express themselves and be in position to where we're playing high intensity in a fun style of basketball. That's what I like to do. My style is similar to what Vic [Schaefer] runs, and I had a chance to spend a lot of time with him with USA Basketball, and we talked a lot about our styles. Obviously, having a chance to compete against him when I was in the SEC, I knew a little bit about the dribble-drive, but now, I know a lot about it. It's fun. It is a fun style, and I think our kids will really enjoy it."
Q: How does it feel to be a woman of color in a leadership position in the SEC and what do you think this means for basketball society now and in the future?
NMP: "I think that's very important. For me, it's about leaving a legacy. It's also about setting an example for future generations. That is what was set for me with Vivian C. Stringer. She set that example for Dawn [Staley] and Carolyn Peck. It's really about leaving that legacy and setting that example for the future generations."
Q: How has your relationship with Dawn Staley influenced your life?
NMP: "Dawn has been very instrumental. When I came to the Olympic team, there are certain people that you gravitate to. She's one that has been very honest at all times and she's a giver. She wants people around her to be successful. Again, a lot of my success has come, especially on the playing field, through her. She has put me in a position to be successful on the court as a teammate. When I was at South Carolina as an assistant coach, she groomed me to be a head coach. She challenged me in so many ways and I'm just so grateful for that because now I'm a part of her coaching tree, as well. I know that means a lot to her. We're sisters. I can call her, and she will be there at the drop of a dime. I always tell her that there is nothing we haven't been through together. Now, to be able to coach against her and all the other great coaches in this league is really exciting."
Q: How much did you lean on Coach Staley when making this decision?
NMP: "Well I leaned on her a lot. Dawn has experience on different levels of coaching with USA basketball, coaching at a mid-major, going from a mid-major to this conference. It was really good to see her maturation in this and have her give me some knowledge on that. Obviously, she's a competitor and loves the SEC. She just told me what a great opportunity this is. No one really gets the chance to walk into a program like this. It's different than when we came to South Carolina because we had to build it up. She gave me a lot of good information and was really just rooting for me."
Q: Do you have any particular timeline when it comes to hiring assistant coaches?
NMP: "It's just playing it by ear right now. The more I talk to our kids, I'm talking with them daily, and that is getting them to open up to me. It's really about them right now. That is the most important thing. Just making sure I listen to their needs is really critical in making them feel a part of it."
Q: How do you anticipate filling up the scholarship openings that you have?
NMP: "Obviously, recruiting is the lifeline for what we do. Right now, we're in communication with players. I will tell you we're going to get players in there that fit our culture. They have to fit our brand and we know we are a national brand right now."
Q: What have your conversations been like with Madison Hayes?
NMP: "Well, I've talked to all of them and they have been great. I'm talking to them and I'm talking with their families. I haven't talked with all the families yet, but that process is happening. They're great. They're just learning who I am and getting a feel for me. I'm asking them questions and they're asking me questions. It's about them feeling me out. As we move forward, it's more about learning the vision, the style of play, and where they see themselves. That's where we're getting to next. It's just getting a feel for them and their needs. All the conversations have been great, and everyone is awesome."
Q: What was it like when you got the call from Mississippi State?
NMP: "First of all, I was just so honored and thankful that John [Cohen] called. I was able to talk to the committee. What I was more impressed by was to hear how much they loved Mississippi State. That's something that really resonated with me. When you're passionate about something that means you care about it. They care about their student-athletes. They care about the program. They want the right people to be a part of the program and fit what they're trying to do. So just to even call me and look at me as a fit was, truly, an honor."
Q: Is the talent here in Mississippi going to be a priority target for you?
NMP: "Without question. Anytime any school you're at is associated with a state you're going to want to make sure you're taking care of the state. That is the number one priority. Making sure we're in touch with the high school coaches, the [junior college] coaches, and the AAU coaches. Just building that relationship is really key. When I was at South Carolina, we recruited here. That's why I'm very familiar with the area, some of the high schools, and some of the coaches. I just can't wait to get on the phone with them. Some of them have reached out to me and have been so happy to see me here as well as a lot of other people. So that has been very refreshing. Without question we want the best player in the state to be a Bulldog."
For more information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's basketball on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateWBK."
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