One of the most successful coaches in the history of University of Mary athletics, Fred Fridley resigned his position after nine seasons directing the women’s basketball program. Fridley has accepted a position with Sanford Health as the Director of Public Affairs for Bismarck, ND, and central and western North Dakota.

The Marauders are coming off their first NCAA tournament appearance last spring, posting a 19-11 record and finishing third in the Northern Sun.

Rick Neumann will serve as the acting head coach. The Marauders women’s basketball assistant coach the past nine seasons, Neumann joined the program the same time as Fridley.

Fridley will join Sanford Health’s Public Affairs team as the public affairs director for the new Bismarck region of Sanford Health. In his role, Fridley will work closely with community members and leaders in Bismarck-Mandan, as well as throughout central and western North Dakota. Sanford Public Affairs, with representatives in Sioux Falls, Fargo and Bemidji, works to spread the message of Sanford Health within the communities the health system serves and collaborates with community partners in the areas of wellness, education and economic development.

In Fridley’s nine seasons at U-Mary, the Marauders compiled a mark of 170-91, advanced to three national tournaments and captured two conference titles. Only once did the Marauders post a losing record.

During his tenure Fridley coached four All-Americans, 15 all-conference performers, two conference most valuable players and 20 conference players of the week. The Marauders have also had 26 All-NSIC scholar-athletes.