Misty Murphy announced today that she has resigned as women's basketball coach at the University of Evansville after three seasons in charge of the Purple Aces' program.

Director of Athletics John Stanley will begin the search for Murphy's successor immediately.

"I am grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me at the University of Evansville," Murphy said after informing her team of her decision this afternoon.  "I wish the women’s basketball team, the athletics department and the University of Evansville nothing but the best.  I am confident the future of the women’s basketball team will be very bright and that the administration will find the right individual to lead this talented program."

Added Stanley, "We appreciate all of Misty's efforts during her time here. She led our school to an NCAA Tournament appearance, and she worked hard to build a base that will allow us to continue the progress of our women's basketball program."

The highlight of Murphy's tenure was Evansville's Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship in 2009 that sent the Aces to the NCAA Tournament.  It was only the second time in school history that a first-year coach in any sport led UE to an NCAA Tournament berth. Following an 11-18 regular season and 4-14 league record that year, the Aces reeled off four consecutive wins in the MVC Tournament to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament against Texas A&M. The Aces followed with records of 4-26 in 2009-10 and 8-22 in 2010-11.

Murphy was the ninth head coach in University of Evansville women's basketball history. She was an assistant coach at Colorado State and Northern Colorado, and then served as head coach at Sheridan (Wyo.) College for two years and Colorado State-Pueblo for four years.  Prior to coming to Evansville, she was an assistant coach for three years at Rice University.

Associate Head Coach Jim Sexton and Assistant Coaches Nicki Motto and Mike Jacobsma will direct the program until a new head coach is hired, according to Stanley.