July 9, 2012
LOGAN, Utah - With the hiring of a new women's basketball head coach, Jerry Finkbeiner, this May came the restructuring of the remainder of the coaching staff. Throughout July, we will introduce each member of the staff, helping Aggie fans get to know them.
Micha Vandervort comes to Utah State after coaching under Finkbeiner the past four years at Oral Roberts University. She spent two years as the director of basketball operations before being promoted to assistant coach.
A native of Edmond, Okla., Vandervort attended Pensacola Christian College, where she served three years as intramural basketball coach and athletics director. She graduated in 2006 with a bachelor's of science in physical education.
Tell us about yourself:
"I am the youngest of five, and my family is very important to me. I'm engaged! I'm getting married Sept. 1 to Ryan Thompson. We're excited about starting our lives together here in Logan, Utah."
"Being from Tulsa, it was a great fit to be at Oral Roberts, but I'm so excited to be at Utah State. Coaching with Coach Fink has been awesome and I'm excited to keep coaching with him. I kind of know what he wants so we can implement that here at Utah State. "
What is your favorite part about coaching?:
"It's definitely the relationships with the girls - being able to be around them and challenge them, but also learn from them. The relationships you build are very rewarding."
Describe the other coaches in just a few words:
"Stu (Sells) is kind of our go-getter. He'll do anything. He has a lot of energy and excitement, so that's a lot of fun.
"Robert (Donaldson) keeps us on track. He knows what we're supposed to be doing and makes sure it happens. You can tell that's kind of going to be his thing. He's really helpful. He does anything people ask him to do.
"Coach Fink is obviously the father figure. He's the leader, the Godfather."
What was the draw for you to come to Utah State?
"Mainly, just the change. The university has so much going on right now - so much growth, so much excitement caught up into it - that it was an easy sell."
What is your biggest goal for the season?
"I want our seniors to have a very fulfilling year. They've worked really hard and have given a lot to the program and have changed it quite a bit. My goal is just that the goals they have are met and that they go out leaving their legacy at Utah State."
What's a fun or little-known fact about you that might surprise people?
"Obviously, I love basketball and will watch any game that's on, but if there isn't basketball on, my next choice is always football. I'm a crazy football fan. I absolutely love it, and I love the Vikings!"
-USU-
