Yelena Ouderkirk's impact on Western New Mexico University Athletics remains one of the most remarkable success stories in Mustang history. Arriving in Silver City from Russia in 1992, she quickly became the centerpiece of the women's basketball program, combining elite talent with relentless discipline and an unyielding commitment to her team and studies. Competing under the name "Elena Shadrina," she anchored the Mustangs from 1993 through 1996, leaving behind a statistical and cultural legacy that continues to elevate the program today.

From the moment she stepped onto the court as a freshman, Yelena made her presence known. She averaged 15.9 points and 8.7 rebounds per game in her first collegiate season while shooting better than 51 percent from the field. She also recorded 63 blocks—an imposing defensive presence that immediately reshaped the Mustang frontcourt. Even as she navigated the challenges of being an international student, including language barriers and the pressure of competing far from home, she remained the team's leading rebounder and one of its most efficient scorers.

Her sophomore year brought changes, including a coaching transition and the brief absence of her close teammate Katia Cordova, yet Yelena continued to perform at a high level. She averaged 13.1 points per game, pulled down over six rebounds per contest, and added 29 more blocks to her growing defensive resume. Despite the personal difficulties of that season, she emerged as the emotional and competitive core of the team.

Over the full span of her WNMU career, Yelena rose to national prominence within NCAA Division II. Her career averages—19.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, and a 53.5 percent field-goal mark—reflect both consistency and dominance. In 108 games she amassed 2,096 points, 944 rebounds, and 205 blocked shots. Her free-throw shooting, at 77 percent for her career, demonstrated her complete skill set. During her four years, the Mustangs captured three straight conference championships and made repeated appearances in the postseason tournaments. WNMU's 1994 and 1995 teams advanced to the national tournament as regional champions, with Yelena serving as the driving force behind their success.

While her athletic accomplishments were extraordinary, Yelena was equally committed to her academic path. She graduated in December 1996 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting—an achievement that foreshadowed an impressive professional career built on precision, integrity, and leadership. These combined achievements led to her induction into the WNMU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010, a recognition reserved for the most impactful student-athletes in Mustang history.

Following graduation, Yelena continued her pursuit of excellence by earning both her MBA and CPA credentials. Today, she serves as the Assistant Director of Internal Audit and Compliance at James Madison University, where she oversees major financial, operational, and compliance review functions. Her work reflects the same discipline, attention to detail, and strategic thinking that defined her years on the court.

Yelena's legacy also extends to her family. She and her husband, Michael Ouderkirk, married in 1999 and raised two children, Daniel and Stephanie (Steph), who have followed in their mother's athletic footsteps. Both competed as Division I athletes—Daniel in baseball and Steph in women's basketball—continuing the family's tradition of commitment, competitiveness, and achievement at the highest collegiate levels.

Yelena Ouderkirk's story is one of resilience, achievement, and transformation. She arrived at WNMU with little more than her talent and determination and left having shaped a championship culture while building a foundation for lifelong success. Her journey reflects the very best of what it means to be a Mustang: to lead, to compete, to excel, and to uplift others along the way.

Her legacy continues to inspire current and future student-athletes, and WNMU Athletics proudly celebrates her lasting contributions to the university, the community, and the sport she helped elevate.

Stay tuned for our next alumni of the week. 

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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (X, TikTok & Instagram).