Valley City State coach resigns

Valley City State University head women’s basketball coach Jill DeVries has resigned, ending her 14-year tenure on the sidelines at VCSU.

DeVries guided the Vikings to the NAIA National Tournament the past three years, amassing a school-record 24 wins last season. She was named the DAC Coach of the Year in 2011 after leading the team to the DAC Tournament Championship.

"I have great respect for Jill and it has been an honor to work with her these past three years," said athletic director Jack Denholm. "Jill has brought the women’s basketball program to a whole new level and exemplifies the type of coach we want here at VCSU."

DeVries also worked as assistant athletic director at VCSU. Denholm said a search for her replacement will begin immediately.

"I am grateful for the rich and rewarding opportunity that Valley City State has afforded me for the past 14 years to serve as its head women’s basketball coach," DeVries said. "I have learned and grown so much. I thank my staff, Athletics Director Jack Denholm, President Steve Shirley, the rest of the administration and my colleagues, as well as all those who have supported the program, for their encouragement, guidance and assistance.

"I especially thank the student athletes, both past and present, for their dedication and committed efforts. I will always look back with affection, satisfaction and pride in all that we have accomplished. I certainly believe that our collective efforts and experiences have created an expectation of excellence for future teams and for future success."

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