From High School to Hall of Fame: MTSU’s Coach Insell Celebrates 500 Victories

By David Oglesby

Photo / MTSU Athletics / Coach Insell with family

MURPHY CENTER, MURFREESBORO – In a night charged with emotion and triumph, the Middle Tennessee State University women’s basketball team (11-9, 6-2 C-USA) emerged victorious against Liberty University (9-9, 3-4 C-USA) by a final score of 63-54 on Friday evening. This significant victory not only secured a crucial win in the Conference USA standings but also marked the 500th NCAA Division I victory for head coach Rick Insell—a milestone that speaks volumes about his extraordinary coaching journey.

The evening began auspiciously, with sophomore Blair Baugus setting the tone for the Blue Raiders, quickly scoring with a jumper in the paint. Middle Tennessee maintained control throughout the first quarter, leading 17-12 by the end of the period. Baugus showcased her talent early, leading all scorers with 10 points in the opening quarter alone.

As the second quarter unfolded, the Blue Raiders caught fire from beyond the arc. Savannah Davis and Alayna Contreras combined for nine quick points, propelling Middle Tennessee on a 7-0 run that held Liberty scoreless for over three minutes. However, the momentum shifted just before the halftime buzzer, as the Flames took their first lead, entering the locker room ahead 29-27. Despite the setback, Baugus persisted, leading at halftime with 11 points.

Kirston Verhulst re-ignited the Blue Raiders’ offense with a three-pointer to open the third quarter, reclaiming the lead. From that point, the teams exchanged baskets, with Middle Tennessee holding onto a precarious 43-40 advantage going into the final period.

The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Blue Raiders. They scored a remarkable 20 points in the last ten minutes, showcasing a relentless defense that forced Liberty into 19 turnovers, resulting in 22 points for Middle Tennessee. Baugus led all scorers with 22 points, while Contreras and Macie Phifer contributed with 15 and 13 points, respectively.

The win not only solidified the Blue Raiders' place in the conference race but also allowed Coach Insell to join an elite group of only six active women’s basketball coaches to achieve 500 wins at a single institution. Moreover, he stands alone in the history of women’s basketball as the only coach with 500 wins at both the high school and NCAA Division I levels, a testament to his dedication and influence in the sport.

Rick Insell's remarkable career spans over four decades, during which he has amassed more than 1,000 victories between his time at Shelbyville Central High School and Middle Tennessee State University. He has led his teams to numerous state championships and NCAA tournament appearances, earning recognition as a pioneer in women's basketball. Inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017, Insell is celebrated not just for his wins but for his ability to inspire and develop young athletes into successful players on and off the court.

In his post-game remarks, Coach Insell emphasized the importance of teamwork and perseverance. “I’m proud of the players. They’ve been under a lot of pressure, but they responded by digging deep and playing great defense," he reflected. "This win is a step closer to our goal of a conference championship.” He added, “Every game matters, and I’m just grateful for the support of my players and staff. This milestone is a reflection of our collective effort; it’s not just about me.”

Looking ahead, the Blue Raiders will face their rivals, Western Kentucky, on Saturday, January 31, at 6:00 p.m. CT. This matchup promises to be another compelling chapter in the storied journey of Middle Tennessee women’s basketball and Coach Insell’s extraordinary coaching legacy.