The Valparaiso University Department of Athletics has announced that the University and women’s basketball head coach Mary Evans have mutually agreed to part ways.
The program compiled a 73-135 record (.351) in Evans’ seven seasons as head coach.
“I am thankful for Mary and the hard work she has put in to lead our women’s basketball program over the last seven seasons,” Director of Athletics Laurel Hosmer said. “She thrived on her players becoming well-rounded young women who grew not only athletically, but in all facets of their life during their time at Valpo. We wish Mary all the best in her career moving forward.”
Evans coached six All-Missouri Valley Conference selections in her time as head coach at Valpo, including three First Team honorees, and had 11 players earn MVC Scholar-Athlete recognition. Her 2019-20 squad, which won 17 games, had accepted a postseason berth in the Women’s Basketball Invitational prior to the tournament’s cancelation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a bittersweet day, as I’ve invested heavily in Valpo since I arrived on campus in 2018,” Evans said. “I’m grateful for what we’ve achieved and the lasting connections made with my staff and student-athletes. My family and I look forward to our next chapter and wish Valpo nothing but the best.”
A nationwide search for the program’s next head coach will begin immediately. Assistant coach Jon Hill will serve as interim head coach to oversee the program’s day-to-day operations until the search for the program’s next head coach is complete.
