Wilmington, NC – Coming off the programs most successful season in school history, Cape Fear Community College's Director of Athletics Ryan Mantlo announced today that a familiar face will return to the sidelines as the head women's basketball coach. Lori Drake, who served as the College's first women's basketball coach, will return to the helm after spending one season as an assistant coach at High Point University.
"We are blessed to welcome Coach Drake back to our family," Mantlo said. "Her devotion to our student athletes and ability to help them reach their dreams make her the perfect fit. With Coach Drake it's all about the kids, and that is something we strive for in all of our programs."
Drake began her coaching career at CFCC in the team's inaugural season in 2012. The Sea Devils women's basketball program improved in wins each season under Drake's leadership. In 2014-15, her final season at Cape Fear, Drake led the Sea Devils to a record of 26-7. That season, the Sea Devils finished with a No.12 national ranking. Drake's tenure at Cape Fear was marked by several player successes and accolades; seven Sea Devil women's basketball players earned first team all-region honors, while moving on a handful of players to the four year level.
Last season, Coach Drake helped guide High Point University to a 12-19 record. The Panthers reached the quarterfinals in the Big South Conference Tournament. Coach Drake played a vital role in player development and recruiting during her stint with HPU.
"I loved my time at HPU and am so thankful for the opportunity I was given to coach there. However, there is just something so special here at Cape Fear and I am thrilled to be back. I kept up with the team all year and actually watched each game during the National Tournament. My vision is to build upon the success we've established here. At the end of the day we will measure our success on our ability to change these kids' lives. It's all about the kids, not about me," Drake said.
Prior to her coaching career, Drake played collegiate basketball at Seward County Community College from 2002-2004 before transferring to UNC-Wilmington. During her playing days at Seward County Community College, Drake helped lead the team to a 32-5 record and a NJCAA No. 8 national ranking.
In her final colligate season in 2007 at UNC-Wilmington, Drake led the Seahawks in scoring and rebounding while serving as the team's captain. That season Drake was honored as a Third Team All-Colonial Athletic Association Selection. The Brookneal, Va. native, received her Bachelors of Arts and Sciences in Therapeutic Recreation.
Drake would go on to play two years of professional basketball overseas in several different countries, making stops in the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Germany, and Wales. While playing in the United Kingdom for the Solent Suns in 2008-2009, the team reached the Final Four. That season, Drake averaged 19 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Suns under head coach Michael Ball. As a result of her success that season with the Suns, Drake was selected to the All-Star team for the "The Rest of the World" vs "England" game.
Courtesy of Trent Brinkley
