UCF dismissed women’s basketball head coach Joi Williams on Monday after an American Athletic Conference Championship tournament loss that dropped her nine-year record to 114-163 and 59-91 in conference play.

UCF Athletics Director, Danny White, informed Williams of his decision Monday, shortly after the team returned from the conference tournament.

“We appreciate everything that Coach Williams has done for the program over the last nine years. In my short time getting to know Joi, it is clear that she has great character and has led our program with tremendous class and integrity,” White said. “I have given much thought and consideration to this decision, and it is time to move in a different direction. We thank Joi for all of her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Added Williams: “I would like to thank President Hitt, Keith Tribble and Todd Stansbury for giving me the opportunity to lead the UCF women’s basketball program for the last nine years. I took great pride in leading the team into post season competition, watching student-athletes graduate and in being a role model for the young women in my program. To every young woman I have coached at UCF, it has been my pleasure to serve you, coach you and teach you. My most sincere wishes for the best. I wish Danny White and the University of Central Florida family success for years to come.”

White also said a national search for the Knights’ next head coach will begin immediately.

“I believe we should compete for championships here, and we’re going to find a great coach who can do that,” White said. “We’ll move as quickly as possible on the search, but will be diligent and take the necessary time to find the right coach for our program.”

http://www.ucfknights.com/sports/w-baskbl/spec-rel/030716aac.html

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