(Story courtesy of McMurry University Athletics Communications)
ABILENE, TX—McMurry University Athletics is pleased to announce the hiring of Laura Lange as the new Head Women's Basketball Coach. Lange's return to McMurry marks an exciting chapter for the program, combining her extensive and successful coaching experience with her deep ties to the university and the Abilene community.
Lange brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in women's basketball to McMurry. Her 20-year coaching career includes head coaching experience at the 2A, 3A, and 6A levels and collegiate coaching experience at the NCAA Division III level. She has a proven track record, including two State Championship Finalists and four Regional Tournament appearances.
Most recently, Lange served as Head Girls' Basketball Coach, Assistant Track Coach, and Director of Strength & Conditioning at Abilene Christian High School. She has also held coaching positions at Merkel High School, Jim Ned High School, Hardin-Simmons University, Abilene High School, and Wylie High School.
"We are thrilled to welcome Laura Lange as our next head women's basketball coach at McMurry University," said Athletic Director Larry Dockery. "Laura brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in women's basketball, and her commitment to developing our scholar-athletes—mentally, physically, and spiritually—aligns perfectly with the values of our university. I'm excited to see the future of McMurry Women's Basketball under her leadership."
Lange's professional accomplishments include being a 2020 TGCA All-Star Coach and serving on the TGCA All-State Selection Committee in 2013 and 2017-2021.
As a collegiate player at Hardin-Simmons University, Lange was part of the NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen Finalists (2000, 2003) and ASC Conference Championship teams (2000-2003). She was a three-time NCAA ASC All-Conference selection (2001, 2002, 2003), and her team achieved a No. 1 national ranking in 2003, the same year they had an undefeated regular season. Lange is in the HSU record books in several categories. Academically, Lange was on the National Dean's List (2003), the President's List (1999, 2001, 2003), and was an Academic All-Conference selection (2001-2003). She also received the Winnie & D.M. Wiggins Award for Scholarship & Excellence in 2003.
Lange holds a Bachelor of Behavioral Science in Athletic Training/Sports Medicine from Hardin-Simmons University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She also has academic ties to McMurry, having earned her Fast Track for Teacher Certification.
