Kearney, Neb. - Nebraska-Kearney Athletic Director Jon McBride announced today that Carol Russell has resigned her position as the Lopers head women's basketball coach.

“We appreciate Carol's energy and efforts on behalf of the UNK athletic department. She ran an NCAA compliant program and brought in student-athletes who were successful on and off the court,” said McBride. “We wish Carol and her family well.”

McBride noted a search for Russell's replacement will begin immediately.

A statement from Russell is available HERE.

Russell led the UNK program the past eight years, going 163-79 (113-39 RMAC). During her tenure, the Kansas native and Nebraska-Lincoln graduate guided the Lopers to two RMAC titles and five NCAA Tournament appearances. In 2009-10, UNK posted a 9-18 (8-11 RMAC) mark.

Prior to coming to UNK in the summer of 2002, Russell was an assistant coach at three Division I schools (Nebraska, Bradley and Texas-Pan American), as well as Division II Truman State (Mo).

UNK had one senior on its 11-person 2009-10 roster, post Kim Thissen, and had five players join the team during the early signing period in November.