Stokes reflects on careeras her last season nears

The 2009-2010 season is the final run in the MEAC for the Lady Rams basketball team. The season is also the last of head coaching for Dee Stokes.

Stokes, 39, said she believes she has been called to do something greater and hopes to pursue a career outside of the coaching profession. 

"I believe he's [God] called me to work at a Christian school in administration," Stokes said in a recent press conference to Winston-Salem State Media Relations. 

Stokes began her tenure at WSSU in 2006 and is fulfilling her four-year contract, but said she is stepping out on faith after this year. 

"God has called me away from coaching and that's clear."

After three seasons, Stokes has a 17-69 record with the Lady Rams.  Despite finishing each of the past three seasons with single-digit victories, Stokes has her team focused on an achievement that has yet to be obtained while she has been the head coach.

"Our goal is to be above .500 this year," Stokes said.

"This season is going well.  We've gained some momentum.  Our chemistry is better."

As of Dec. 12, the Lady Rams are 3-6 and began conference play against MEAC opponent South Carolina State on Dec. 5.  WSSU did not get their first win last season until Jan. 26.  The Rams achieved their first win in this year's season opener against Southern Virginia Nov. 7.

 "I'm going to try to have a lot of fun this year," Stokes said.

"Every day I go to practice, and it's a lot of fun.  I like my team."

An early highlight for Stokes' coaching career occurred during her first season as the Lady Rams forced Division I, Atlantic Coast Conference powerhouse Wake Forest into overtime before losing 82-66. 

Stokes spent part of her collegiate career playing basketball for the Demon Deacons and said that moment was obviously exciting for her and her players. 

Stokes has also enjoyed success recruiting quality student-athletes, who have excelled academically.  With Stokes at the helm, the Lady Rams have placed in the higher rankings of athletic programs at WSSU.  In each semester except for one, her teams have finished with GPAs of 2.8 to 3.0.

"My team has gotten a lot better academically," Stokes said.

"And we've continued to graduate players, and we will continue to do that.         

Mentoring kids and having an impact on them means more than just coaching them to wins, and I think that we've done that, and we're very proud of that."

Stokes informed Chancellor Reaves and her team of the decision to move on from coaching before the season began; however, there has not been a coach-in-waiting named.  

Bill Hayes, who will take over as Athletic Director Jan. 1 will choose Stokes's replacement.

 According to Reaves, however Stokes said she would not turn down the opportunity to be involved in the decision-making process.

"I would like to have some input if they will allow me to because I want this program to continue to grow," Stokes said.

"I want WSSU to continue to be an outstanding program in the future.  I don't want it to take a step back, so hopefully, I will be able to have input on who the next coach will be," Stokes continued. 

"I will offer my service if that's what's needed."

Stokes said that although coaching is not a priority for her right now, it would be more of a secondary role, and she may juggle coaching with administration.  She said she wants to have a greater influence on young people.

"Basketball has been a part of my life since I was four years old," Stokes said. 

"It will always be a part of my life.  Just because I'm not coaching, doesn't mean I won't be involved in basketball.  I'll still attend games.  I will always be a fan.  I won't step away in that regard. 

"I just won't be roaming the sidelines."