After seven seasons at the helm of the program, Columbus State University head women’s basketball coach Jonathan Norton has announced his resignation.
Norton is leaving the Columbus State program to become the Principal of Wynnbrook Christian School and the Chief Administration Officer of Wynnbrook Baptist Church in Columbus.
Columbus State will immediately begin its national search for the next head coach of the Lady Cougars.
“Beyond his highly successful record as the head women’s basketball coach, Jonathan Norton leaves a profound impact on all aspects of the program,” CSU Director of Athletics Todd Reeser said. “His proven ability to recruit, develop, and nurture student-athletes will continue to serve him and young people well as he enters a new and exciting chapter in his life. We are extremely appreciative of all that he has done for Columbus State University.”
“I have been blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of the CSU Cougar family for 16 years, as a student, assistant coach and head coach,” Norton said. “At this point in my career, I feel like I have accomplished way more than I ever dreamed, but the most important accomplishments are the personal relationships I have had the pleasure of developing over the years.
“Now God has called me and my family into a different season in our lives. My priorities in life have always been faith, then family, then basketball. I now have the opportunity to put that faith into action by serving God and my family in much greater capacity. I am forever grateful to CSU for all the opportunities this institution has provided me. CSU is in my DNA. I bleed red, white and blue, and I will always be a Cougar.”
Norton steps down from the Columbus State program with an overall record of 141-61. The Lady Cougars saw tremendous success during his tenure, reaching three straight NCAA Tournaments, twice winning the Peach Belt Conference regular season title and winning two conference tournament championships.
Hired in April of 2009, Norton was just the second head coach of the CSU women’s basketball program. He had previously worked as an assistant coach for five seasons at the start of his career and returned to Columbus after head coaching stops at Berry and Lander.
Columbus State has been the premier women’s basketball program over the last three seasons winning the 2014 and 2015 PBC Tournaments and the regular season crown each of the last two years.
The Lady Cougars matched the program record with 31 wins during the 2014-15 season, while sweeping the league titles. CSU followed it up with a 25-6 record this year with yet another NCAA Tournament appearance.
Norton garnered back-to-back PBC Coach of the Year honors for his work over the last two seasons.
The Columbus State women’s basketball program crossed the 500-win plateau during the 2015-16 season. The Lady Cougars have averaged nearly 19 wins over their first 27 seasons of competition. CSU holds an overall record of 508-292, winning close to 64 percent of its games all-time.
http://csucougars.com/news/2016/4/15/womens-basketball-norton-steps-down-as-lady-cougar-head-coach.aspx
