Oklahoma women's basketball: Volleyball players Eden Williams, Tara Dunn offer basketball team an assist

But after Hand's injury, Coale contacted Oklahoma volleyball coach Santiago Restrepo to see if there were any players on his team with much basketball experience.

The volleyball team's season ended in early December, so this is supposed to be its time to relax and enjoy a temporary reprieve from the daily grind of a student-athlete.

Plus, Dunn and Williams will have to find time to participate in volleyball offseason workouts while also practicing and traveling with the basketball team.

“They could have a month off, and spend time with their family, and go do fun stuff,” Coale said. “In the offseason, you get to breathe, you get to be a ‘normal student' for a little while. All that goes away for them.

“They love this university. They love being an athlete here. I think it speaks volumes about how connected our programs are. When you play for Oklahoma, you play for Oklahoma.”

Williams will be a senior next volleyball season; she said one of the most important things she'll take from this experience is simply spending time around Hand.

“I look up to her,” Williams said. “I'm excited that I'll get to know her a little better, and hopefully learn some of her leadership skills that I can take back to volleyball next year.”