March 18, 2007

SEATTLE - The University of Washington has decided not to renew the contract of head women's basketball coach June Daugherty and her staff and will immediately conduct a national search for her replacement, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Todd Turner announced today.

The contracts of Daugherty and the women's basketball coaching staff, which consists of her husband, Mike, as well as Janet Soderberg and Kellie Lewis-Jay, expire on March 31. Turner and Sr. Associate Athletic Director Marie Tuite have begun the process to conduct a national search for a new coach to lead the Washington program.

In her 11 seasons as the head women's basketball coach at Washington, Daugherty compiled a 191-139 (.579) overall record and a 113-85 (.571) mark in Pacific-10 Conference play. She guided the Huskies to six NCAA Tournament appearances, including yesterday's 79-60 loss to Iowa State in the event's first round in Minneapolis, Minn. Prior to coming to Washington, Daugherty coached seven seasons at Boise State and has compiled a career record of 314-213 (.596) in 18 total seasons.

Statement from Todd Turner, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics
"June Daugherty has been a prominent representative of Husky athletics for more than a decade," said Turner. "She worked very hard to ensure that her student-athletes had exceptional experiences at the University of Washington. We hold her in the highest personal regard. In spite of her considerable talents, diligent efforts and our personal respect for her and her staff, our team has not achieved the on-the-court results that inspire excitement and support from Husky fans everywhere.

"We appreciate June's commitment and service and will support her in every way as she considers future opportunities."

Statement from June Daugherty
"I would like to thank everyone that supported and enjoyed our basketball teams over 11 successful seasons at the University of Washington," said Daugherty. "It has been a pleasure making so many lifelong friends among our supporters and our players. We have enjoyed watching our players graduate and become successful in life as that is what we believe we were here for. We thank those players for all the hard work and dedication they gave our coaching staff.

"It is disappointing that the University of Washington has chosen not to renew our contract. We were looking forward to coaching a talented group of returning players and the top 10 recruiting class we signed to play at the University of Washington.

"It has been a privilege to be a Husky."

Statement from Senior Captain and President of WASAAC Cameo Hicks
"I want to thank June and the entire coaching staff for giving my teammates and I a great opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful institution. I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their passion and commitment to the team. I know that this was a very tough decision for the administration and I trust that they will keep the best interest of the student athletes at heart."