Tyler Frierson, Katrina Merriweather, and Angel Baker | The Wright State Guardian
This year’s women’s basketball season was full of surprises, but the biggest surprises came after the season was over.
Head Coach Katrina Merriweather and star players Angel Baker and Tyler Frierson have left the team to look for new opportunities.
Merriweather to Memphis
Through her years at Wright State University (WSU), Merriweather has brought the team to several successes. She led the team to multiple Horizon League Championships, WNIT and NCAA Appearances.
“I will miss the people at Wright State. So many people supported and cheered for us,” she said.
She was first signed as a head coach in a 2016 contract that was meant to last until 2020, but her successes got her a contract extension until 2022. There was no penalty for ending that contract early after summer 2020.
No news has been announced yet about Merriweather’s coaching staff from WSU.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind the last couple weeks,” Merriweather said. “Ultimately, it’s about making sure that everyone who is on this roster and a part of my staff is one hundred percent committed to the University of Memphis and being a part of this program.”
Baker to battle the SEC
As the star player for WSU, Baker put up great performances since her freshman year and has been a huge part of the team’s successes this year.
“Thank you the most for building my confidence, for believing in me, for challenging me to be the best version of myself on and off the court,” Baker said. “You have helped me become a better player but most importantly a better person.”
Baker was first team-all conference and Tournament MVP for WSU’s HL Championship and totaled 26 points with 11 rebounds in their win over #4 Arkansas.
It seems that Baker’s success against the SEC Razorbacks caught the attention of SEC coaches, as Ole Miss quickly signed the transfer to bolster their roster.
“Angel is a winner. She is a competitor and she immediately makes us better,” Ole Miss Head Coach Yolett McCuin said.
Frierson enters the transfer portal
While Frierson took a backseat to Baker in the spotlight, the center from California was a perfect fit for how WSU liked to play.
“Wright State has provided me with opportunities to grow in ways I can’t even imagine,” Frierson said. “Thank you for believing in me.”
The Raiders struggled with shooting percentage for much of the regular season, but Frierson’s play in the paint helped them reliably close out games.
She plans to pursue her master’s degree in Ohio as a graduate transfer, and play in her last year of eligibility.
“Onto the next chapter in my life, I am more than excited to see what God has in store for me,” she said.
Frierson has not committed to a team as of yet.
