Candi Whitaker

Candace Elizabeth Whitaker (née White; born April 22, 1980) is an American college basketball coach who is currently in her second stint as the head coach at UMKC. Previously, Whitaker was head coach at North Alabama, Texas Tech, and Missouri Western State University. . After playing college basketball at Texas Tech, Whitaker returned to her alma mater to fill the position after former coach Kristy Curry left to coach at Alabama.

Coaching career

Kansas City (UMKC, 2004–12) In the middle of the 2006-07 season, Whitaker was named the eighth coach in Kansas City Roos' history, replacing Bo Overton. She coached her first game in the Roos' conference opener, a 51-to-48 victory over Chicago State. She coached at Kansas City until the end of the 2011-12 year, compiling an overall record of 41-65. In her time at Kansas City, Whitaker led the Roos to two separate fourth-place Summit League finishes, in 2009-10 and 2011-12.

Texas Tech University Following Kristy Curry's departure from Alabama on May 11, 2013, Whitaker was named the new head coach at Texas Tech University on May 20, 2013. On January 1, 2018, Texas Tech fired Whitaker.

Missouri Western State University In April 2019, it was announced that Whitaker was selected as the new head women's basketball coach at Missouri Western State University. She led Missouri Western to the 2022 NCAA Division II Elite Eight. Whitaker was also named 2024 MIAA Coach of the Year.

University of North Alabama In March 2024, Whitaker was announced as the head coach at North Alabama.

Kansas City (UMKC, 2026–)

On March 11, 2026 Whitaker was announced as the head coach at UMKC.

Head coaching record

Whitaker became interim head coach in December 2006 following the resignation of Bo Overton.

Reflects 6 games (including 5 conference games) from 2007 to 2009 vacated due to league sanctions.

On January 1, 2018, Texas Tech fired Whitaker.

Personal life Whitaker married her husband Matt Whitaker in April 2007. They have three sons: Westin, William, and Callahan.