MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) – First Alert 7 has confirmed that former Midland College basketball head coach Tra Arnold has died. Arnold has led the Chaps for the past three seasons before stepping away during the 2024-25 season due to health reasons.
In Arnold’s first season with the Chaps (2022-23), he led the team to a 28-7 record while heading to their first national tournament in 12 seasons after winning the Region V tournament.
Arnold previously was at Odessa College from 2012 until 2018, leading the team to the WJCAC title in (2016, 2018), the Region V championship in (2016, 2017) and three straight appearances in the National Tournament (2016, 2017, 2018).
Arnold was a two-time WJCAC Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2018 and was awarded Region V Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2017.
“He’s a terrific coach, he’s got a terrific family, he’s a great coach, he’s a great father,” said Odessa College Basketball Coach Kris Baumann in January.
In a statement from Midland College, Athletic Director Forrest Allen said, “Tra was a dynamic and talented coach who worked passionately each day to restore national prominence to the Chaparrals basketball program.”
Arnold is survived by his wife Jodi, two sons, Tavin and Carson, and daughter, Quinn.
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