Empowering Students to Find “What It Takes”: How ORU Alumna Noelia Cacheiro Is Changing Lives as a College Coach and Educator
Noelia Cacheiro
Class of 10'
Hometown: Newcastle, England
Tulsa, Oklahoma, Feb. 15, 2024— The journey of a college athlete requires dedication, discipline, and continuous self-improvement.
For ORU alumna Noelia Cacheiro, this journey led her from Europe to America. As an
ORU basketball recruit, Noelia left Spain to learn at a university where she could
not only grow but also be inspired to impact the world.
“ORU was life-changing, Noelia said, “the person who went in was not the same person who came out. ORU introduced me to new concepts and provided me with another family! They gave me the tools to have a winning mindset and showed me that I could achieve my goals.”
Over a 13-year playing career, Noelia played basketball professionally in England, Spain, and Holland. During that time, Noelia was a Holland All-Star, BUCS Premiership National finalist, and 4 x MVP winner. Despite her success as a professional athlete, Noelia was determined to keep her education a top priority. To improve her skills as an aspiring educator, translator, and interpreter, she completed two undergraduate degrees, two master of arts degrees, and one post-graduate certificate. She also earned her Ph.D. in Education.
"I found out that if I really wanted to do something, I just had to go for it because we all have ‘what it takes!' Some things in our lives keep us grounded – things that shape our core identity. Those core values are the main lessons I gathered at ORU. ”
“I faced the challenge of holding multiple roles when I started my academic career,”
Noelia said. My Ph.D. was done between practices and games, with some lecturing on
the side. These were years of much growth and fulfillment through the achievements
that came through both those paths: sports and academics.”
As head coach of the Newcastle University Women’s Basketball team, Noelia led the team to the playoffs. She continues to coach and works at the university as a lecturer for Spanish, Translation, and Interpreting. As a coach and educator, Noelia’s mission is to encourage others to “go beyond borders.”
“I’ve helped student-athletes make the jump to Europe and recruited basketball players from all over the world,” said Noelia. “I want to provide opportunities for students to go overseas, see the world, live new experiences, and be exposed to other cultures. Life has been full of opportunity, and I’ve learned many lessons along the way. I think it is only fair to give back to the next generations.”
Looking ahead, Noelia wants to continue helping others understand “what it takes.” The drive and determination cultivated during her time as an ORU athlete remain with her, guiding her through academic and professional endeavors. Her message to others echoes the belief that everyone possesses the potential for greatness; they just need the willingness to pursue their goals consistently.
“I found out that if I really wanted to do something, I just had to go for it because we all have ‘what it takes!’” said Noelia. "Some things in our lives keep us grounded – things that shape our core identity. Those core values are the main lessons I gathered at ORU. They're values that work for the next generation. They keep us looking forward to the future, remembering who we are and where we come from!”
UNIVERSITY BRIEF
ORU is a Christian, Spirit-empowered, interdenominational university in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with 15 years of consecutive enrollment growth. Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ORU offers over 150 majors, minors, concentrations, and pre-professional programs at the bachelor’s level, ranging from business and engineering to nursing, ministry, and more. Under the leadership of President Dr. William Wilson, ORU is preparing students from all 50 states and 151 nations (from 2019 to 2023) to be whole leaders for the whole world.
The Wall Street Journal ranked ORU as the #8 university in the nation for student experience and one of America's Best Colleges (2024). This new category rates the best colleges in the U.S. to have a great experience while attending. This ranking is powered by one of the largest ever independent surveys of verified college students and recent graduates in the United States. Niche recognizes ORU as one of the top 25 most diverse colleges in America, # 1 best Christian college in Oklahoma, and # 1 in Oklahoma for diversity. Princeton Review ranked ORU as the best regional college, and College Raptor ranked ORU as a Hidden Gem in the Southwest.
ORU has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as:
- #1 in Undergraduate Teaching
- #2 in Most International Students
- #3 in Best Value
- #6 in Best College for Veterans
- #7 in Best Regional Colleges in the West
For more information, visit www.oru.edu.