Hall of Fame coach, Sherri Coale, visits Bowling Green to share stories of growth and leadership
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — A legendary figure in women’s college basketball made a special appearance in Warren County on Thursday morning.
Sherri Coale, former head coach of the University of Oklahoma’s women’s basketball team and a member of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, stopped by The Capitol in Bowling Green to sign copies of her book, The Compost File.
The book is a collection of essays inspired by her 25-year coaching career, focused on themes of purpose, persistence, and finding strength in life’s challenges. Coale says the “messiness” of life is exactly what helped her grow into the leader she became — both on and off the court.
“It’s a collection of stories — sort of the anecdotal evidence of what the happiness experts talk about,” Coale said. “Some of the research reveals what it takes to be happy, and I feel like it’s all in the mess. Hopefully, it’s inspirational and motivational — just a little nudge for people to keep working.”
Coale retired from coaching in 2021, leaving behind a storied legacy that includes 513 wins, six Big 12 championships, and two Final Four appearances. Now, she hopes to continue inspiring others — not with a whistle, but with her words.
“I’m hopeful there are stories that stick — that make people feel like they’re not alone,” Coale said. “There’s great energy in that. I enjoyed finding the through line, and hopefully, it gets people thinking and feeling.”
The event was hosted by the Warren County Public Library and brought out a crowd eager to hear from a woman who has spent decades coaching, mentoring, and leading through life’s toughest — and most rewarding — moments.
