Sandra Rushing resigns from DSU to accept position at Central Arkansas
Matt Jones
CLEVELAND, Miss. – After leading the Delta State University women’s basketball program to a 254-58 record over the last 10 years, Sandra Rushing announced her resignation as head coach on Wednesday to accept the top spot at the University of Central Arkansas. A national search to find the next head coach of the Lady Statesmen will begin immediately.
“I want to thank coach Rushing for her time here at Delta State and her dedication to continuing the winning tradition of our Lady Statesmen basketball program,” McClain said. “Over the last 10 seasons, coach Rushing has kept Delta State at the forefront of women’s basketball on a national level and the program is in a great position as we move forward.”
Rushing took over the program in 2002-2003 from legendary former head coach Lloyd Clark and embarked on one of the most successful stints in DSU’s history. The Biloxi, Miss., native led the Lady Statesmen to four straight Gulf South Conference championships from 2005-2006 to 2008-2009 and back-to-back trips to the NCAA Division II Final Four in 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. In all, Rushing guided eight Lady Statesmen squads to the NCAA Tournament and recorded seven consecutive "Sweet 16" finishes.
Rushing averaged 25.4 wins per season during her time at DSU, including an amazing 198-30 record over the last seven seasons. Building on the winning tradition of head coaches past, Rushing was nearly unbeatable to Sillers Coliseum, leading the Lady Statesmen to a school record 64-straight wins at home from Jan. 27, 2007 to Nov. 13, 2011 and an amazing 132-9 record at home.
“Delta State is a special place with special people and I will always appreciate the opportunity to lead one of the game’s cornerstone programs,” Rushing stated. “This was an extremely difficult decision, but one that was necessary at this time in my career. I wish the Lady Statesmen program all the best as it moves forward. I also want to thank Dr. John Hilpert and Jeremy McClain for all the support over the years.”
A national search to find the next head coach of the Lady Statesmen will begin immediately.
“As we look for our next head coach, I want to find someone who will continue to build upon our traditions here at DSU and continue to compete for national championships,” McClain concluded.