Oak Grove High School

OAK GROVE, MO — The Oak Grove High School Girls Basketball program is entering an exciting new chapter with the hiring of Keith Ward as its next head coach. Ward arrives in Oak Grove with an impressive coaching resume, more than 500 games of on-the-sidelines experience, and a reputation for building successful programs centered on culture, character, and player development. Most recently, Ward spent five seasons as an assistant coach with the Summit Christian Academy boys basketball program, helping guide the Eagles to back-to-back state championship appearances in 2023-24 and 2024-25. During the 2025-26 season, he served on both the boys and girls basketball coaching staffs, gaining valuable experience while working with student-athletes at multiple levels. For Ward, however, success has always been about more than wins and losses. "There is nothing better in sports than seeing players in your program succeed on and off the court," Ward said. "I love coaching basketball, but I also feel extremely blessed to have the opportunity to mentor young people." That philosophy quickly became evident during his first days in Oak Grove. "I am so excited to be the new Oak Grove girls basketball coach," Ward said. "Thank you to Mr. Schartz and the administration for this opportunity. What I have learned in the very short time I have been here is that this team not only has talent, but there are a lot of wonderful young ladies who are part of the program as well." Ward's immediate focus is on helping every member of the program maximize their potential. His goal is not centered on wins, championships, or statistics. Instead, he believes success begins with growth. "My short-term goal is for everyone—coaching staff, players, and team—to reach their full potential," Ward explained. "Whatever that may look like, if we all reach our full potential, I feel confident it will be a successful season." Beyond the upcoming season, Ward has established a vision that he hopes will define Panther Girls Basketball for years to come. The foundation of that vision is a simple but powerful message: Be Difference Makers. Ward recently shared that message with his players, challenging them to embrace a higher standard of commitment and accountability. "To be a difference maker, you must be different," Ward said. "You must be willing to do things others aren't willing to do. It takes a different level of sacrifice, selflessness, and commitment. I know we have Difference Makers. My vision is for that to become the norm throughout our entire program—from the middle school level through the varsity level." The message reflects the culture Ward hopes to establish throughout the Oak Grove girls' basketball program—one built on hard work, selflessness, leadership, and service. Away from the court, Ward has been married to his wife, Mindy, for nearly 31 years. Together, they have three children: Alysa, Michael, and Kelsey, along with two beloved golden retrievers, Murray and Dez. As he begins his journey with the Panthers, Ward remains grateful for the opportunity and the trust placed in him by players, families, and the Oak Grove community. "Thank you for allowing me to coach your daughters," Ward said. "It's a privilege to have the opportunity to be a difference maker in the lives of these young ladies, at this school, and in this community." With an experienced leader at the helm and a vision centered on developing student-athletes both on and off the court, the future of Oak Grove Girls Basketball is bright. The standard has been set. The challenge has been issued. Now it's time for a program full of Difference Makers to get to work. Read Full Press Release: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Su5Y8iz76h-0YcmJ4hp5bNvZEN6eCTHi/view?usp=sharing