News Summary
Johnette Walker, head coach of Newberry College women’s basketball, is entering her second season determined to improve on last season’s 6-22 record. A recent visit to USC allowed her coaching staff to learn from one of the nation’s top programs under Dawn Staley. The collaborative effort aims to enhance coaching techniques and performance, fostering a stronger competitive spirit as the team prepares for the coming season.
Newberry, South Carolina – Johnette Walker, the head coach of Newberry College women’s basketball, is entering her second season with the team after a challenging first year. Last season, the squad recorded a 6-22 performance, and Walker aims to improve this record by enhancing her coaching strategies. A recent unique opportunity allowed her coaching staff to gain insights from one of the nation’s leading programs, the University of South Carolina women’s basketball team.
On July 3, the Newberry coaching staff attended a practice session at USC, guided by the team’s renowned head coach, Dawn Staley. This visit was coordinated after Walker learned that her new assistant coach, Terrance Rose II, had connections to a member of the USC coaching staff, facilitating their introduction to the Gamecocks.
Newberry College, an NCAA Division II program located about 50 minutes northwest of Columbia, benefitted from this visit, which was described as more significant than a routine shadowing opportunity. The USC coaching staff warmly welcomed the Newberry coaches and provided them with a copy of the practice plan, an act that Walker appreciated as it enriched their experience.
During the practice observer session, the Newberry staff noted the energy and intensity that characterized USC’s training, a hallmark of Staley’s program, which has achieved remarkable success in women’s college basketball. Staley has led the Gamecocks to five consecutive Final Four appearances and secured three national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024.
Walker left the practice with extensive notes and strategies that she is excited to implement in her upcoming season at Newberry. Observing the methods of a successful coach like Staley was a valuable opportunity for Walker, reaffirming her commitment to enhancing her own coaching skills and the overall performance of her team.
The visit also highlighted the burgeoning connection between Newberry College and USC, with Walker hiring Rose, who has familial ties to a USC staff member. Staley publicly acknowledged Newberry’s visit on social media, extending her congratulations and good wishes for the upcoming season, further cementing the relationship between both programs.
This collaborative spirit aims to foster growth and improvement within women’s basketball in South Carolina, showcasing the willingness of coaches at all levels to learn from each other. Walker’s initiative to seek guidance from a successful program demonstrates her dedication to her team and her desire for continuous development as a coach.
As the Newberry women’s basketball team prepares for the new season, they are focused on leveraging the insights gained from the USC practice to build a more competitive squad. Walker’s efforts represent a proactive approach to coaching that emphasizes learning from established leaders in the sport, potentially paving the way for a successful turnaround for Newberry’s program in the coming year.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Todd Knight Secures Contract Extension at Newberry College
Newberry College Welcomes New Assistant Coach for Women’s Basketball
Dawn Staley Signs Record Extension with South Carolina
Newberry College Athletes Achieve Academic All-District Honors
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension with Gamecocks
Newberry College Celebrates Student-Athletes at Wolfies Awards
Dawn Staley Signs Record-Setting Contract Extension
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension with USC
Morgan Thompson Commits to Newberry College Basketball
Dawn Staley Signs Historic Contract Extension
Additional Resources
- The State: USC Women’s Basketball
- Newberry Observer: Walker Adds Terrance Rose II
- Augusta Jags: Jaguars Down Barton
- Newberry Observer: Six Wolves Named to CSC Academic Team
- Charlotte 49ers: Women’s Basketball Hosts Newberry
Author: STAFF HERE NEWBERRY
The NEWBERRY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewberry.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Newberry, Newberry County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Newberry Opera House performances, Newberry Arts Fest, and the Newberry County Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce and the Newberry Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and agriculture that power the local economy such as Amick Farms and Newberry Mills. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
