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Coaching Staff

Carissa RatliffCarissa Ratliff
Interim Head Coach

Carissa Ratliff (formerly Verkaik) took over as the Interim Head Coach of women's basketball in October 2024. She previously served as the assistant coach for the Cougars from 2019-2021. She served five years within the athletic department after assisting the track & field squad during her first two years.

Ratliff was standout basketball player at Calvin (MI) were she is the all-time points leader with 2,236. Ratliff earned basketball All-American honors twice while helping the squad to four NCAA Tournament appearances. While at Calvin she was also a two-time NCAA DIII national qualifier in track & field.

After graduating from Calvin, Ratliff began coaching track and field at the high school level and transitioned to the college level in 2016-2017.

In addition to coaching at Colorado Christian, Ratliff worked towards her masters at University of Northern Colorado in the Sport Exercise Program, specifically focusing on the social psychology of sport. She earned the degree in May 2019.

Ratliff is a USATF certified level 1 coach and she has her Michigan Provisional Teaching Certificate.

She was married in May, 2020 to Levi Ratliff.

Sydney PriddySydney Priddy
Assistant Coach

From Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Sydney’s love for basketball led her to Regis University for two years and later to Colorado Christian University. Throughout her time at both universities, she demonstrated leadership and dedication.

Upon graduation, Sydney felt led to stay at Colorado Christian University and became the women’s basketball graduate assistant in the fall of 2023. She knew CCU was the place for her as she loves what the school stands for and the boldness of faith demonstrated.

“She is the epitome of team mentality and lives her life through faith on and off the court. We have been together for eight years now and it’s been a blessing.” -Diane Thompson

As a CCU alum, Sydney received her bachelor’s degree in Biology and is now pursuing her MBA. She currently resides in Highlands Ranch with her husband, Riley. They enjoy fishing, coffee, and being outside together.

Her favorite Bible verse states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6

Awards Under Coach Priddy:

  • D2CCA All Region, Maggie Hutka, 2023-24
  • RMAC First Team All Conference, Maggie Hutka, 2023-24
  • RMAC Honorable Mention, Dasiya Jones, 2023-24
  • RMAC Honorable Mention, Nicole Bowlin, 2023-24
  • RMAC Tournament Appearance, 2023-24

 

Bree OlsonBree Olson
Graduate Assistant

Olson joined the CCU Women's Basketball as a Graduate Assistant before the 2024-25 season. Bree brings a wealth of knowledge to the team, having played basketball from a young age and competing for most of her life.

Olson had a long journey in college basketball, battling through injuries to play 6 years that included stints at CCU from 2017-2018, Pima Community College 2018-2019 and University of Hawaii Hilo 2019-2023. She also played a year of basketball in France to gain more experience. Olson has coached middle school teams and done private coaching as well, displaying a wide range of experience.

A native of Tucson, Arizona, Bree attended Pusch Ridge Christian Academy in high school before coming to Colorado Christian.

A passion for the game has always been an attribute of Olsons' saying "I think what I love most about basketball is that it’s always there – through the good and bad. It’s my “happy place” and can get me out of a funk. Having experience with many coaches good and bad, I want to give the athletes I work with the best possible experience and make sure they keep their love for the game."

Olson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and Administration of Justice. Her favorite bible verse is Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".