Monday, April 14, 2014

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Shawn Nelson has resigned as head women's basketball coach at Central Washington University effective immediately. 
 
"We thank Coach Nelson for the contributions he has made to our women's basketball program and the university," Director of Athletics Dennis Francois said.  "We wish Shawn the best of luck in his future endeavors."   
 
Nelson, who came to CWU from Carroll College (Helena, Mont.), took over the program in 2011 that was 7-18 overall with a 2-16 mark in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. 

In three seasons at CWU, Nelson led the Wildcats to a 25-53 record, including 11-43 in the GNAC.  After going 9-17 in each of his first two season (5-13 and 4-14 in the GNAC), Central slipped to 7-19 this past season, including 2-16 in the conference.

At Carroll, Nelson accumulated 201 wins and just 70 losses as head coach and led the team to five NAIA national tournament appearances.
  
"A national search for a replacement will begin immediately," said Francois.  "I am confident that will have a high degree of interest from a variety of individuals who know the high level of women's basketball in the GNAC."