WEATHERFORD – Southwestern Oklahoma State University and the SWOSU Athletic Department are mourning the loss of SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame women's basketball coach John Loftin, who passed away this week.

Loftin served as head coach of the Lady Bulldogs from 1981–2000, concluding his 19-year career at SWOSU with an impressive record of 499-99 (.834), highlighted by five National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national championships in 1982, 1983, 1985, 1987, and 1990. In his very first season, he guided the team to a perfect 34-0 record and the program's first national title. That season was one of two undefeated championship runs under his leadership.

During his tenure, SWOSU made 14 NAIA Tournament appearances, including 10 trips to the Final Four and a national runner-up finish in 1992.

Across his remarkable 38-year coaching career, Loftin amassed 861 total wins. His legacy was recognized with induction into the SWOSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011 and the NAIA Hall of Fame in 2012, cementing his status as one of Oklahoma's greatest coaching legends.

During the 2022-23 season, the Coach John Loftin Endowment for Women's Basketball was established at SWOSU to provide ongoing scholarship and program support for the Lady Bulldogs. Later that season, the Coach John Loftin Legacy Wall was unveiled in the lobby of the Pioneer Event Center, honoring his lasting impact on the program and the countless lives he influenced.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Tulia, Texas. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors. Visitation will take place from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, at Kornerstone Funeral Directors in Tulia.