Coach's Corner: Tracy Rice

Leading with Faith, Family, and Focus at Blue Mountain Christian University

Fresh off a historic season that saw Blue Mountain Christian University Women’s Basketball win its first-ever conference championship and make its debut appearance in the NAIA national tournament, Head Coach Tracy Rice is still soaking in the significance of the moment. But as proud as she is of the milestones, her deeper fulfillment comes from something else: the culture her team built through trust, unity, and an unwavering commitment to putting others first.

A Season of Firsts—and Focusing on the Big Picture

“We had a great season,” Rice reflected. “We made history—for the school, for the program. I’m so proud of how everyone bought in.”

Her team capped off a record-setting run with a heartbreaking two-point loss in overtime at the national tournament. Still, Rice remains focused on the bigger picture. “To see the rewards that come when a team truly puts each other first… that’s what I’ll remember,” she said. That selfless spirit was the cornerstone of Blue Mountain’s rise—something that’s increasingly rare in today’s “me-first” culture.

Cultivating Buy-In: Building Something Bigger Than Basketball

How does a coach foster that kind of culture? According to Rice, it’s a mix of intentional leadership and faith-driven guidance. Her program incorporates regular team devotionals, one-on-one check-ins, film sessions, and constant conversations about selflessness and trust.

“We can do all the right things as coaches,” Rice shared, “but it still takes a group of players who are willing to believe in something bigger than themselves. That’s what made this team so special.”

Blue Mountain Christian University: A Homecoming Story

For Rice, Blue Mountain isn’t just where she works—it’s home. A former student-athlete herself, she played for BMCU from 2000 to 2004 and always dreamed of returning as head coach: “The school has such a family atmosphere. Everyone knows who you are, supports you, and truly wants you to succeed.”

That sense of belonging defines her pitch to potential recruits: “You won’t be just a number here. You’ll be part of a family.”

Rebuilding, Resetting, and Reaching Higher

With only two seniors graduating, Rice is already preparing for another competitive season. Her players, inspired by their deep tournament run, are fully committed to keeping the program’s momentum going. “They’ve seen what’s possible,” she said. “And now they’re bought into doing the work to stay at that level.”

Offseason priorities begin with rest and recovery, followed by strength and conditioning. Over the summer, most players train with individual coaches or skill trainers while Rice provides customized feedback for each athlete.

Balancing Life and Basketball

Student-athletes at BMCU are high achievers in the classroom, and Rice is proud of their work ethic. But she also encourages her players to find balance and fulfillment beyond basketball.

“We try to give them breaks to rest their minds, get involved with church, give back to the community,” she explained. “We don’t want their identity to be solely in basketball. It’s about the whole person.”

A Calling to Coach

Coaching was always part of the plan for Rice, but the journey took time. After years coaching at the middle and high school levels in the Memphis area, she began to dream about returning to her alma mater. “It was a process of believing I could do it,” she said. “You’ve got to work through the self-doubt, but if it’s God’s plan, it’ll happen.”

Advice for Aspiring Coaches and Athletes

Rice encourages future coaches to seek mentors, learn continuously, and surround themselves with people who believe in them. “You can’t do it alone,” she said. “I’ve had coaches pour into me, teach me the X’s and O’s, and help me believe in who God made me to be.”

She’s equally thoughtful about advice for student-athletes. When recruiting, she looks for more than just skill: she watches how players respond to mistakes, how they treat teammates, and whether they lift others up.

“Leadership matters,” Rice said. “Can you help your team move forward when things go wrong? That tells me more than your shooting percentage ever could.”

Recruiting: Relationships Over Highlights

In an era of constant transfers and highlight reels, Rice’s approach to recruiting is refreshingly personal. She values long-term relationships, often built through camps, local events, and years of staying in touch. “It might not happen right away,” she said, “but if a player knows we care, they may come back around later.”

She also encourages aspiring recruits to be proactive: attend camps, introduce yourself to coaches, and follow up respectfully over time. “Even if we’re not able to take you, a lot of us will help you find the right fit somewhere else,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As she looks to the future, Rice is focused on sustaining success while staying grounded in her core values: faith, family, and development. Whether it’s preparing for another national tournament run or helping one of her athletes navigate life’s challenges, her purpose remains steady.

“I just want to help them figure out who God wants them to be,” she said. “If we win games along the way, that’s the bonus.”

To learn more about Blue Mountain Christian University Women’s Basketball or connect with Coach Rice, visit bmcusports.com or follow the program on social media.