Central Washington University announced today that Shawn Nelson has resigned as head women’s basketball coach effective immediately.

"We thank Coach Nelson for the contributions he has made to our women’s basketball program and the University," said Director of Athletics Dennis Francois. "We wish Shawn the best of luck in his future endeavors."

Nelson, who came to CWU from Carroll College (Helena, MT), took over the program in 2011 that was 7-18 overall with a 2-16 mark in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. In his first year at the helm, the team went 9-17 (5-13 in GNAC) and 9-17 (4-14 in GNAC) during the 2012-13 season. Despite a 7-19 record this season, 2-16 in the GNAC, the team had a record number of GNAC All-Academic honorees with seven members of the team receiving the honor. At Carroll, Nelson accumulated 201 wins and just 70 losses as head coach and led the team to five NAIA National Tournament appearances.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such a great group of young women during my time at CWU, they represented their university with class," said Nelson. "I am proud of the tremendous progress our student-athletes have made during the past three years and wish them continued success."

"A national search for a replacement will begin immediately," said Francois. "I am confident that we will have a high degree of interest from a variety of individuals who know the high level of women’s basketball in the GNAC."

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