Beckie Francis
Beckie Francis (born Rebecca Rose Lobo-Jurišić, March 31, 1970) is a former women's basketball coach and player.
Early Life and Playing Career:
Before becoming a coach, Francis was a successful basketball player. She is primarily known for her time playing at Stanford University, where she was a member of the Cardinal women's basketball team. Following her collegiate career, she had a brief professional playing stint.
Coaching Career:
Francis served as the head women's basketball coach at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan from 2002 to 2012. During her tenure, she led the Golden Grizzlies to several successful seasons, including a Summit League tournament championship and NCAA tournament appearance.
Controversy and Termination:
Francis's time at Oakland University ended abruptly in 2012 amidst allegations of creating a hostile and abusive environment for her players and staff. The university cited violations of university policies, including emotional and psychological abuse, as the reason for her termination. Investigations and reports detailed instances of alleged manipulation, intimidation, and religious coercion. The termination was highly publicized, leading to significant media coverage and scrutiny of coaching ethics and athlete welfare in college sports.
Post-Oakland:
Since her termination from Oakland University, Francis has largely remained out of the public eye. Details regarding her current activities are not widely known.