OVC Family Navigates Unusual Times

OVC Commissioner Beth DeBauche

(St. Louis, MO) – As collegiate sports seeks to navigate the most unusual of circumstances, Ohio Valley Commissioner Beth DeBauche tells us the OVC family is taking thoughtful and progressive steps. DeBauche is in her 11th year at the OVC helm. She has served on numerous NCAA committees and is bullish on her league.

During a spring that saw the cancellation of the NCAA Tournament and all of spring sports, DeBauche is optimistic that better days are ahead. While the nation reels with racial unrest, she believes the OVC family is uniquely positioned to make fruitful progress.

Leading the Way

While women leading Division 1 conferences isn’t as unique as it once one, DeBauche was one of the first to accomplish that feat. Her tenure with the OVC began eleven years ago. She says now about one third of the commissioners are women. DeBauche is concerned about the lack of women in head coaching positions.

 

 

Under DeBauche’s leadership the conference has grown to 12 teams and continued a rich basketball tradition. She has been instrumental in expanding the league’s television presence and establishing the league tagline “Inspiring Excellence Since 1948.” The league is filled with good young coaches, regional rivalries and talented players. According to DeBauche the league’s future is bright.

 

 

OVC Family Responding 2020 Events

This is a year like no other. While a pandemic swept the nation, long simmering racial tensions came bubbling to the surface. The NCAA Tournament was canceled and spring sports aborted. DeBauche’s team went to work. They prepared for an unusual tournament championship. No one was prepared for the NCAA’s canceling of the entire 2020 spring schedule.

The OVC was one of the few conferences to finish their tournament. DeBauche says they took numerous precautions.

 

 

While the financial and business side of the coronavirus shut down was huge, DeBauche feels the worst for the athletes that missed their chance to play in the Big Dance. After spending seven years at the NCAA headquarters, DeBauche says she appreciates how the NCAA handled the shut down.

 

 

During the beginning of the ‘social distancing’ era has arrived, DeBauche and school presidents have worked on adapting to the new normal. They will cut costs. Schedules could be shorter and conference play becomes more important.

The games will go on and  health standards must be clear.

 

 

OVC Family Navigating Racial Unrest

DeBauche says now is a time to listen. The OVC family is forming a working group to address this important issue. The working group will include administrators, coaches and players. DeBauche says the OVC community has to speak to one another, listen to each other and truly learn. The core of the group will be the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, but will expand from there.

The OVC family is being proactive.

 

 

Our entire interview with Commissioner DeBauche can be heard at Valley Hoops Insider Podcast.

 

What’s Ahead?

The OVC has bright young coaches, serious talent and a tradition-rich league. OVC ‘Player of the Year‘ Terry Taylor returns to Austin Peay along with reigning ‘Freshman of the Year‘ Jordyn Adams. He was named one of the nation’s top 31 first-year players. Belmont returns a squad of juniors that just won the league tournament as sophomores. Improving programs abound.

Since DeBauche is at the helm, the OVC family is strong and aiming for great things.

Do Good