Oklahoma City, Okla.- Mid-America Christian University Athletic Director Willie Holley announced Tuesday the hiring of Roman Owen as the new women's basketball and head golf coach. Owen becomes the fifth head coach in basketball program history and the third in golf replacing Markus Crandall, who recently resigned after two seasons at the helm of the programs.

Owen, an Oklahoma City native, comes to MACU after spending the past two seasons as assistant men's basketball coach at Oklahoma City University. While at OCU, Owen worked under head coach Kevin Morrisey and helped lead the Stars to a 32-26 record and an appearance at the NAIA National Tournament in 2010.  He assisted in all aspects of the men's basketball program.

"I am excited to have a young man of Roman's character as part of our athletic staff," Willie Holley said.  "Roman will bring excitement and energy to both the women's basketball and our men's golf programs.  His experience as an assistant coach has prepared him well for the challenges and opportunities he will face here at MACU."

Prior to coaching at OCU, Owen had a successful playing career at Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Okla. As a senior in 2008, he was a recipient of the Pete Maravich Award, which is presented annually to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) most outstanding player. He was a three-time NCCAA All-American and a NCCAA academic All-American. Owen is the all-time leading scorer at SWCU with 2,802 career points.

"I am grateful to Dr. Fozard and Coach Holley for an opportunity to be a part of Mid-America Christian University and serve as the women's head basketball coach," Owen said.  "I believe strongly in the university's mission and I am looking forward to joining the tremendous faculty and staff at the university.  Mid-America Christian University has a great reputation as a growing university and a great place to work and go to school.  I am excited to get started."

Owen graduated from Southwestern Christian University in 2008 with a bachelor's degree in Biblical Studies. He also holds a master's degree in Physical Education from the University of Central Oklahoma. Owen and his wife, Natalie, reside in Oklahoma City.

Crandall leaves MACU after two seasons combining for a 33-38 record.  Owen inherits a Lady Evangel squad that went 17-21 last season.  The Lady Evangels qualified for the NCCAA Central Region Tournament and fell in the championship game to Ecclesia College. 

"It is a privilege to be a part of the great tradition at Mid-America Christian University," Owen said.  "I look forward to helping build on the foundation that has been established through the school's history by many dedicated people.  I look forward to meeting many of our supporters as well as the entire Mid-American Christian University extended family."