VANCOUVER, WA - Clark College Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of alum Renee Saechao (Tzeo) as its new head women's basketball coach! Renee is the founder, director, and head coach/trainer for the Oregon Overtime basketball program. She comes to Clark as a highly accomplished basketball coach and former standout player with extensive experience at the high school, junior college, and NCAA Division III levels. "I am really excited to return to Clark College," said Saechao. "For me, coming back to lead a program that shaped me once as a player is about giving that same opportunity to the next generation to grow, lead, and leave their mark."

A decorated prep athlete originally from Reynolds High School in Troutdale, Oregon, Saechao capped off an impressive high school career by earning Mt. Hood Conference Player of the Year and 6A First Team All-State honors as a senior before signing with NCAA Division II Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa, Idaho.

Next, Saechao transferred to Clark College for her second season and had an exceptional year. The point guard led the NWAC in assists with 133, a number that still ranks second all-time in Clark College history for a single season. Her game high of eleven assists (accomplished three times) is third all-time in Clark College history. Not just known for offense, Renee also set the Clark single game record for steals with nine. Her season total of 71 is also top ten all-time at Clark. After the season, Saechao was named First Team All-West Region and team Most Valuable Player. From Clark, she then concluded her collegiate career at Cornell College, an NCAA Division III school in Mount Vernon, Iowa.

With over twelve years of coaching and training experience in premier AAU programs, Coach Saechao has established herself as a respected leader and developer of talent. She has coached and trained over 100 Oregon prospects, guiding many to earn basketball scholarships across all collegiate levels—from National Junior Colleges to NCAA Division I programs. "As a former player, I understand what student-athletes need not just to perform, but to feel supported, challenged, and believed in," Saechao explained. "Before systems, before schemes, culture comes first. When players believe in the standard and in each other, everything else becomes sustainable."

Penguin athletic director Laura LeMasters was obviously excited about the hiring of Saechao. "I'm thrilled to welcome Renee into this role with our program," LeMasters explained. "Her vision, leadership, and enthusiasm—along with her return to Clark as a former student-athlete from 2010—make this especially meaningful. Her impressive résumé, combined with her energy and passion, will be a tremendous asset and a game changer for both our department and our women's basketball program."

Coach Saechao has held key coaching roles including varsity lead assistant at Aloha High School during their most successful season since 2014 and assistant varsity coach at Cleveland High School for the 2023-2024 season. Known for her energetic and expert approach, she brings a deep understanding of the game, recruitment processes, and player development to every day. Coach Renee is dedicated to putting her players' best interests first, focusing on finding the right fit for each athlete's skill level and long-term growth. "My goal is to build a program that doesn't just compete for one season, but establishes a foundation for long-term success on the court, in the classroom, and in life."

Coach Saechoa is already hard at work building the Penguin roster for the 2026-2027 season. To get in contact with her to be a part of the future of Penguin women's basketball, fill out the prospective athlete form on the Clark Athletics website.

Welcome back coach! Go Penguins!