Oregon adds Lisa O'Meara to Ducks' support staff
Oregon head coach Kelly Graves has bolstered his support staff as the Ducks look to return to the NCAA Tournament in 2023-24.
On Thursday, Graves announced that the Ducks have hired Lisa O’Meara as the Ducks’ new director of creativity.
A Eugene native who the 2022-23 season as an assistant coach at Montana, O’Meara will return to her home state and replace former director of creativity Geanna Luaulu-Summers, who was hired as an assistant by Seattle University in May.
“We are really excited to have Lisa join our program and come home to Eugene,” Graves said. “Her experience as a player and a coach, in addition to being from Eugene, will really help her connect with our student-athletes. We love what she will bring to the staff and she will be a great fit. ”
Prior to beginning her coaching career, O’Meara played one season at Saint Mary’s, one season at Lane Community College in Eugene, and two seasons at Oregon Tech. A former NAIA All-American, she set school records for 3-pointers in a game (8), career 3-point percentage (41.8%), and free throw percentage (85.9%).
“It’s hard to express how excited and grateful I am to join Coach Graves and his staff,” O’Meara said. “It’s a special opportunity to not only learn from the best and grow as a coach but also to come back to my hometown and join the Ducks.”
Last season, the Ducks finished 20-15 and went 7-11 in Pac-12 play. Their season ultimately ended with a loss to Washington in the quarterfinals of the NIT.
After a flurry of key players — including all-conference guards Te-Hina Paopao and Endyia Rogers departed the program in the offseason, Graves and his staff added five transfer additions.
Former North Alabama guard Skyler Gill, former Liberty guard Kennedi Williams, former Miami (Ohio) point guard Peyton Scott, former USF guard Priscilla Williams, and former Lane CC guard Bella Hamel have all signed with the Ducks and are listed on the program’s official roster.
