Leslie Crane is in her first season as a member of the Tiger coaching staff. Crane serves as the recruiting coordinator on Rutherford's staff. Although recruiting keeps her busy, she also works with the post players and assists in the day-to-day needs of the Missouri women's basketball program.
Crane comes to Missouri from Kansas City, Kan., Community College, where she served as the head coach and recruiting coordinator for the KCKCC women's athletic program.
She spent four years as the head coach at Kansas City-Kan. Community College, compiling a record of 117-17. She led the Blue Devils to a 35-2 record and a fifth-place finish at the NJCAA Tournament in 1997.
Her teams won the Kansas Jayhawk East Conference title in 1995, 1996 and 1997. She earned KBCA Community College Coach of the Year and Region VI Coach of the Year honors in 1997. She was named Kansas Jayhawk East Conference Coach of the Year in 1994 and 1995.
Prior to her stint at KCKCC, Crane was the head basketball coach at Turner High School for four years. During those four years, her team was named conference co-champions in 1993 and sub-state champions in 1992.
Crane also served as the head women's basketball coach and volleyball coach for Circle High School from 1987-89.
The Iola, Kan., native is a 1986 graduate of Arkansas State, where she earned her bachelor's degree in education.