OPSU Athletics
Justine Gaskamp, Sports Information Director
GOODWELL – An unforeseen development prompted the abrupt departure of Angela Franke from the Oklahoma Panhandle State coaching staff. Franke, who was hired on as the Aggies’ head volleyball coach in March, indicated to Athletic Director Meghan Mulcahy that making the move now benefitted her personally, so she made the decision to leave the university one week before the students reported back to campus.
University President Dr. Tim Faltyn regretfully responded, “I am so disappointed. I think everyone’s belief was that Coach Franke was committed to the success of our student athletes with whom she was entrusted. In speaking with others, we never would’ve dreamed a situation would unfold like this; a coach leaving her team a week before they arrive on campus…this is truly uncommon.” Faltyn added, “A situation like this makes me thankful for our coaches, faculty and staff who honor their commitments, work hard, and give of themselves so that their students and our university are successful. Their integrity inspires me to work harder and do all that I can to be a part of the solution.”
Mulcahy also offered a statement assuring, “We have already begun the process to obtain the absolute best fit for this program. The student athletes deserve to have a dedicated and passionate leader, and we are positive that we will find the right person through a thorough and expeditious search.”