Oakland University women’s basketball announced Tuesday afternoon that former assistant Chamissa Anderson has been elevated to associate head coach.
“Stepping into the associate head coach position is a tremendous honor,” Anderson said. “The future of Oakland women’s basketball is incredibly bright, and I couldn’t be more excited to help lead this program forward,” I’m grateful to (head coach Keisha Newell) for her amazing leadership and to our players and staff for their relentless commitment to this community, program and university.”
The Novi native has been critical to the program’s trajectory since arriving in June 2025, contributing her high-level basketball IQ, exceptional scouting abilities and tireless commitment to player development.
“Missa has been instrumental in laying the foundation for the culture we are building at Oakland. Her passion for developing young women, relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence have made a tremendous impact on our program,” Newell said. “She has earned the respect of our players and staff, and this promotion is a reflection of the leadership she demonstrates every day. I’m excited to recognize her contributions and look forward to the continued impact she’ll have on our program.”
Anderson joined Newell’s staff after arriving from West Virginia, where she was both assistant coach and director of recruiting for the Mountaineers’ program from 2023 to 2025. As part of their staff, they were one of the nation’s top defensive teams, ranking No. 15 in scoring defense, second in steals per game and fourth in turnovers forced per game. The Mountaineers were ranked in the top 25 during the entirety of both of her seasons in Morgantown, going 25-8 and advancing to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament both seasons.
Prior to arriving at West Virginia, Anderson was an assistant at Stephen F. Austin from 2021 and 2023, during which time they compiled a 55-12 record and made an NCAA Tournament appearance (2022). Before that, she was an assistant for three seasons at Missouri Southern State University, helping guide the Lions to MIAA Tournament appearances in all three years. She also coached at Kansas City Community College for a stint that included a 2016 NJCAA Division II National Championship.
Following stops at Siena Heights University and Ellsworth Community College, Anderson was a two-year starter at Trinity International University, where she averaged double figures in scoring and rebounding, and was ranked in the top-25 of total rebounds in NAIA Division II her senior year (2010-11). She then began her coaching career at Trinity as a volunteer assistant.
Along with West Bloomfield’s Sheridan Beal, Dakota alum Samone Andrews (Rochester Christian) and Mount St. Mary’s transfer Berlynn Carlson, a 6-foot-3 forward who was Oregon’s 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year, are among the newcomers to this year’s Oakland U women’s roster.