Air Force Academy

March 29, 2010

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. - Air Force head women's basketball coach Ardie McInelly will not return next season, according to an announcement today from Director of Athletics Dr. Hans Mueh. McInelly just completed her ninth season as head coach at Air Force where she had a 57-201 record. A search for a replacement is underway.

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Statement from Air Force Director of Athletics Dr. Hans Mueh

"We felt that now was the right time to go in another direction in our women's basketball program. Our primary mission at the Academy is to build leaders of character for our Air Force and we will look to find an individual to help us to continue that mission. We wish Ardie well and thank her for her nine years of service to the Academy."

Statement from Coach Ardie McInelly

"For the past nine years I and my staff have worked tirelessly and persistently to build a women's basketball program at the Air Force Academy that is worthy of this great university. We have recruited young women who uphold the honor, integrity and tradition of the Air Force Academy, and I am proud of our efforts. Our athletes have enjoyed many triumphs in their pursuit of excellence and they have experienced their share of struggles. They have endured through it all to represent the best that this or any other university could ask for."

"I would like to thank the Academy for the opportunity that I and my staff have been blessed with to head this program. Though we did not obtain every objective we set out to reach at the start of our journey, I am proud to say that we served with honor, integrity, and service to others above self in our daily pursuit of excellence. I am humbled and proud today at our finish because of the way we have run the race. We wish great future success to the Air Force Academy in their continued pursuit of excellence in the Falcon women's basketball program."