chelseycoaching

Preparing for her sixth season as head coach of the USU Eastern women’s basketball team, Chelsey Warburton continues to build a program that is creating excitement throughout the state.

In 2019-20 the Lady Eagles delivered their best season in program history. For the first time ever they earned a share of the outright conference championship and ended up with 24 wins, topping the programs previous best of 23.

“It’s been a huge push for us and it’s exciting to remember,” said Warburton on the success of last season. “I think it really helps with the recruiting process and of course with positive energy moving forward.”

Warburton has led the Lady Eagles to an increase in wins each season since taking over the program in 2015. USU Eastern has finished with a winning percentage of .500 or better the past four seasons, becoming a consistent conference threat in the process.

Prior to taking over the head coaching role, Warburton was the assistant women’s basketball coach and head volleyball coach at Utah State Eastern.

Her success, however, started as a player. Warburton played basketball professionally overseas in Amsterdam and Holland. As a Price native, she began her collegiate career for the College of Eastern Utah for one season before transferring to play for Weber State. During her time with the Eagles, she helped lead the team to their previous best season in school history.

At Weber State, she scored over 1,000 points and holds the single-game record for three-pointers made in a game. She also holds both the Weber State and Big Sky Conference single season 3-point field goals made record.

The process of building a championship program has been helped by Warburton’s sister and assistant coach Morgan Warburton-Nelson. The two have been together for the past five years and Warburton gives her younger sister a large amount of credit when talking about the success of the team.

“It’s a perfect situation for me. She’s not only my sister, but she is excellent at what she does on and off the court,” Warburton said when asked about their working relationship. “I’m hoping we can continue this as long as possible. It makes going to work really fun every day.”

While program continues to set new bests each season, Warburton has also coached two NJCAA All-Americans over the past four years. In 2017 Madison Loftus received the recognition, followed by Margarett Otuafi in 2020.

As Warburton continues to build a winning program, develop All-Americans and graduate student-athletes, the atmosphere is certainly unique at USU Eastern.

“I love Price, I love the people we work with and for and I love the University,” said Warburton. “To me, coming here is not a hard sell.”

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