Oregon coach Kelly Graves didn’t have to recruit former players Taelor Karr and Meghan Winters a second time.
This time around, Karr and Winters were the ones who called Graves. The pair, two of the program’s graduate managers, have become valuable assets on Graves’ staff in scouting and preparation for weekly conference games.
Karr joined the Ducks before Graves’ first season in Eugene and Winters arrived last summer.
“They can help these kids through this: what to expect and what’s coming next,” Graves said of the Ducks’ quest for an NCAA Tournament berth. “It’s great to have people like that on the staff, no doubt.”
Karr played two seasons under Graves after transferring from Kansas State. In her final season at Gonzaga, she led the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio. Winters played 100 games at Gonzaga during a four-year span.
After college, Karr left the United States to play in France, but found her way back to the Pacific Northwest.
“It was free will this time,” Karr joked. “I wanted to get back into it. When [Graves] came here to Oregon, it was a great opportunity for me to come here and get my masters, plus all the experience. Couldn’t turn down an offer like that.”
Graves said the duo helps the staff in scouting for upcoming games. They’re limited in some ways, but can pass and “play dummy defense” during practice or warmups.
“They want to be coaches, so we’ve allowed them to just kind of help with some scouts,” Graves said. “They can’t present it to the team, but they can do the backroom stuff, so to speak. This has been valuable for them.”
Assistant coach Jodie Berry said Karr and Winters can serve as a go-between for players and coaches. They both know Graves’ style from their time at Gonzaga.
“Being in college and playing a sport, I think we can relate to that,” Winters said.
Both Karr and Winters have traveled with the team on the road this season. They said they always keep a close eye on all pieces of the program.
“The main focus is to soak up all the experience we can now,” Karr said.
The two will receive masters degrees in independent studies through the sports business program at Oregon. It allows them to take classes outside the business school in journalism and psychology.
Karr said she “100 percent” wants to be a coach after graduating from Oregon and Winters said she’s considering coaching, working in athletic administration or marketing.
“These two in particular are such hard workers and good to be around,” Berry said. “I think when you’re part of a family — which is what we envision and want our team to be like — you’re in it for the long haul. … They’re just easy-going, great, fun people to be around.”
Karr appreciates the experiences she’s had with Graves during her two years in Eugene.
“We’ve just continued to grow our relationship,” Karr said. “He’s really taken me under his wing in a lot of different aspects, not just basketball. I really appreciate that. It’s been awesome so far.”
Follow Jonathan Hawthorne on Twitter @Jon_Hawthorne