Ex UTT coach Deike lands post with LETU

Former Patriots women’s basketball coach Terri Deike is now the senior woman administrator at LeTourneau University in Longview athletics department.
Deike held the same position at the University.

All NCAA Div. III schools are required to have a senior woman administrator on staff. Deike, the University’s first women’s basketball coach, left the University after the non-renewal of her contract in June.

Deike led the Patriots to three American Southwest Conference East Division championships and complied a record of 90-61 in six years with the Patriots. “They talked to me for over a month about the job,” Deike told the Patriot Talon.

“I went to visit and was not sure I wanted the job, but they offered me a situation I couldn’t refuse.” Deike said she is scheduled to work three days a week, which allows her to dedicate time to her family.

“I don’t want to take time away from Dale (Deike’s husband) and the kids,” Deike said. Deike currently lives in Whitehouse.

MaryAnn Otwell, the former senior woman administrator, is retiring in June. Otwell is now an assistant athletic director of admission. Dieke said Dr. Dale Lunsford, former vice president of student affairs at the University, played a factor in her decision to take the position.

Deike said Lunsford played a role in hiring her at the University and as well as being instrumental in starting the Patriots’ athletic program. Deike, along with head baseball coach/assistant athletic director Robin Harris, received full control of the department from Athletic Director Bill McDowell.

Dr. McDowell also serves as LeTourneau’s vice president for business and administration.