Dan Chapla has resigned as William Woods University head women’s basketball coach, effective June 14.

“We are certainly disappointed to lose a coach of Dan’s caliber, but I am very excited for him,” stated Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Vittone. “This is a great opportunity for him and I wish him the best.”

Chaplais leaving to become the associate head women’s basketball coach at NCAA Division I Western Illinois University.

“I want to thank Dr. Barnett, Larry York (who hired me) and our current AD, Jason Vittone, for their support and encouragement the past 11 years,” Chapla said. “I especially want to thank our current and former players whose talents both on and off the court have allowed me and my family to have this opportunity.

“Leaving WWU was the hardest decision of my professional life, but I have always been told if you leave a job, just make sure it is better than when you found it. I am proud to say that with the help of several graduate assistants, we have done just that! I am really excited to begin the next chapter of my professional career knowing that I can always look back on our success here with great pride! Regardless of where my journey may end up, one thing is for certain – I will always be an OWLS fan!”

“Prior to Dan’s arrival, the program had nine wins over a two year stretch,” Vittone commented. “After Dan’s arrival, we had nine NAIA Tournament appearances including a trip to the Elite 8. His student-athletes always represented the university in a positive fashion. They excelled on the court, in the classroom and in the community. I couldn’t be prouder of what Dan and his program have accomplished over the past 11 years.”

Chapla became the winningest coach in school history in the middle of the 2018-19 season. With a .714 win percentage, he sits with a 257-103 overall record over an 11-year span. Under his guidance, the Owls have had 10 20+ win seasons, including a program-high 30 wins in his third year at the helm (30-5).

Coach Chapla led the Owl’s to their first NAIA National Tournament appearance in 17 years during his first season at the helm. The program reached nine consecutive NAIA National Tournaments under his lead.

Chapla was tabbed AMC Coach of the Year following his first season. Throughout his 11-year span, he has had seven NAIA All-Americans including a three-time NAIA All-American, a WBCA All-American, a two-time AMC Player of the Year, two AMC Newcomers of the Year, two AMC Freshman of the Year winners, 11 All-AMC First Team recipients, six Second Team recipients and six Third Teams recipients.

On the academic side, Chapla coached 28 Daktronics-NAIA Scholar-Athletes and 117 Academic All-AMC recipients.

A search for his replacement has begun.

https://wwuowls.com/news/2019/6/5/chapla-resigns-as-wwus-head-womens-basketball-coach.aspx

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