WC women’s hoops begins new era with new coach at the helm

The Cayla Petree era is underway for the Weatherford College women’s basketball program. 

Petree has amassed over 250 career victories, succeeding at the NJCAA and NCAA levels. Much of that success came at South Plains College, where her teams were 127-36 and held the nation’s No. 1 ranking for almost two entire seasons.

Her 2020 team appeared poised to capture a national championship before the season ended due to COVID-19. Still she was named NJCAA Coach of the Year. 

She also led Gulf Coast State College in Florida to a national runner-up finish. 

Now, she is taking over another tradition-rich program and is set to put her own stamp on it. 

“I’m proud to lead this program and understand the responsibility that comes with this opportunity. I’m excited about the challenge ahead,” Petree said.

The Coyotes return no starters from last season’s 16-11 squad that finished 8-8 in the Northern Texas Junior College Athletic Conference. They missed the Region V Tournament a year after qualifying in 2025.

“Lauryn Ebara, Ryleigh Hairston, and Tiykeah McKenzie are ready to take on more responsibility and compete for larger roles this season,” Petree said.

The returning trio are all sophomores. While not starters, each saw significant playing time last season.

Ebara (Paris, France) played in 25 games, averaging 7.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and a steal. Hairston (Houston) saw action in 26 contests, averaging 7.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and a steal. McKenzie (Brownsboro) played in 27 games, scoring an average of 5 points with 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and a steal per game.

Petree is confident her recruiting class will also play a key role in the squad once again being a playoff contender.

“We’ve recruited an interesting group of players with a variety of strengths,” she said. “I wouldn’t single anyone out just yet. The season will show who stands out.”

She also believes she has a team that understands the work ahead of them and is ready to prove they belong on the list of teams to be dealt with. She said what they lack in experience they make up for with their can do attitude.

“Our work ethic and willingness to improve are our biggest strengths. Our players are working hard and eager to get better every day,” she said.

And, in what should come as a surprise to no one, Petree said Weatherford College’s conference and Region V take a back seat to none. She referred to Region V as “a gauntlet.”

“On our side, Grayson, Collin and McLennan are the teams to beat,” she said. “The west side has two of last year’s NJCAA Final Four teams in New Mexico Junior College and Clarendon, along with several other strong programs.”