Coach Karyn Ridgeway Resigns Position (June 19, 2003)
by Ken Woosley, Director of University Relations

BILLINGS, MT – Karyn Ridgeway, the Head Coach of the Women’s Intercollegiate Basketball program at Montana State University-Billings, has declined a contract offer to continue her coaching career at MSU Billings.

 “I accept with sincere regrets Coach Ridgeway’s letter of resignation,” stated the Chancellor of MSU Billings Dr. Ron Sexton.  “I am very disappointed she did not accept our contract offer to continue her coaching career at MSU Billings, but I do understand her decision.  I wish her the very best and extend my support as she continues to pursue other career avenues.”

In her letter of resignation presented to MSU Billings Chancellor Dr. Ron Sexton on Thursday, June 19, Coach Ridgeway said: “Although I am very appreciative of your offer for continued employment and of your show of confidence in my professional coaching abilities, I believe the time has come to end my tenure with MSU Billings.”

Coach Ridgeway began her career at MSU Billings in July, 2000.  During her three years as Head Coach of the Women’s Intercollegiate Basketball program, she compiled a 62-22 win-loss record for a .740 winning percentage; appeared twice in the NCAA Division II tournament advancing to the second round in 2002-2003; her team won the PacWest Conference championship in 2001-2002; she was named PacWest Coach of the Year in 2001-2002; and has become the third most winning coach in the history of the MSU Billings Women’s Basketball program.

Coach Ridgeway’s teams have also excelled academically.  During the 2002 academic year, her team recorded the second best team grade-point-average in the nation among the nearly 300 NCAA Division II schools.  The previous year, her team finished in the top 10 academically among these colleges and universities.

“I am extremely proud of these accomplishments, especially since we have been competing without a league affiliation the past two seasons,” Coach Ridgeway said.  “I am especially proud of the character of our athletes and their dedication to the Lady Yellowjacket basketball family and tradition.  These young women have displayed outstanding sportsmanship and leadership on and off the basketball court, are model citizens, have dedicated many hours to community service, all while pursuing their academic degrees and maintaining high grade point average.  I have much confidence in the talent and leadership of the returning players and have every expectation that the strong traditions will continue.”

Kayla Frize, a junior at MSU Billings and a returning member of the Lady Yellowjackets, said: “Coach Ridgeway is a coach most players would love to have.  She has a big heart, and cares about you as an individual and as a player.”  Robin Milne, also a junior at MSU Billings who will return to the Lady Yellowjackets, said: “Coach is an amazing person and gives a lot of her time to the team—both personal time and time spent in the gym.”

Dr. Gary Gray, Athletic Director at MSU Billings, said Coach Ridgeway is a fine mentor and talented coach dedicated to the academic and athletic development of her student-athletes.  “I am disappointed Coach Ridgeway has decided to pursue other professional opportunities and will be leaving us,” Gray stated.  "I know the members of the Lady Yellowjackets will miss her and regret her leaving.  She has touched the lives of all who have known her, especially the student-athletes she coached during her time at MSU Billings.   I sincerely wish her well in her future endeavors and am confident she will do very well.”

Gray said a comprehensive national search will begin immediately and his goal is to have a replacement appointed by August.

 “During the past three years, I have devoted much personal time and energy towards leading this program,” Coach Ridgeway said.  “I absolutely have no regrets; it was time well spent.  I’ll always treasure the wonderful memories and the special relationships developed between the team members and myself.  I want to extend my deepest thanks to all of the athletes, coaches, parents and friends of the Lady Yellowjacket Basketball team for your loyalty and support.  I encourage everyone to remain faithful to the hard working and deserving young women in this fine program.”