Todd Schaefer, a seasoned basketball mind with nearly three decades of coaching experience, has accepted an assistant position on the Ohio State women’s basketball staff.
Schaefer arrives after a prolific tenure that includes stints at Missouri, Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Washington, where he helped shape talent that would later become WNBA stars.
His track record includes guiding Chelsea Dungee to the fifth overall pick in the 2021 WNBA draft and mentoring Kelsey Plum, a two‑time WNBA champion and three‑time All‑Star.
At Arkansas, he contributed to back‑to‑back NCAA Tournament appearances and helped the Razorbacks secure five consecutive postseason berths, underscoring his ability to sustain success.
Earlier in his career, Schaefer served as head coach at Greenbrier High School in Arkansas and began his journey at Western Illinois before leading Allen County Community College.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Thomas More College, earned in 1995, a foundation that he says has enriched his communication and leadership approach.
A legacy of development
Schaefer’s reputation as a recruiter and technician precedes him; coaches and players alike cite his knack for extracting potential and fostering growth.
His recent role at Missouri, where the Tigers posted a 17‑17 record and led the SEC in free‑throw percentage, demonstrated his adaptability and strategic acumen.
With his wealth of experience, Schaefer joins a Buckeyes program eager to blend tradition with fresh perspectives, aiming to return to the national spotlight.