The North Alabama Lions are going to be looking for a new women’s basketball coach.
According to an announcement from UNA, Lions head coach Candi Whitaker is leaving Florence to take the head job at Kansas City following two years with the program and leading them to their best campaign in five years.
North Alabama went 17-14 this season, including an 11-7 record in Atlantic Sun Conference play, tied for their most conference wins ever. Her return to Kansas City is sort of a homecoming after she spent many years there from 2006-2012 as their head coach — now she gets a second stint.
“Candi Whitaker is a highly respected and accomplished head coach who has been an outstanding leader for our women’s basketball program,” said University of North Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney. “This opportunity represents a full circle moment for Candi, returning to a place deeply connected to her personal and professional roots. We’re grateful for her contributions to UNA and wish her continued success.”
“UNA women’s basketball is on a strong trajectory, and the momentum from the past two seasons positions us well to attract another high caliber leader. Our program is strong, our culture is strong and we’re excited about the future as the search for our next head coach begins immediately.”
She issues a strong thank you to both the school and the program as well as her players who made her time at North Alabama so special.
“On behalf of myself and my family, we could not be more thankful for our time at North Alabama,” said Whitaker. “Florence has been a place that immediately felt like home and is filled with so many great people who welcomed us with open arms. To Dr. Looney and President Kitts, thank you for believing in me, my staff and our vision for building this program. Your leadership, commitment, and dedication to UNA and women’s athletics is the reason why we were able to make such huge strides in our short time here.”
“It has been a great privilege to coach each of the young women that has put on a UNA uniform over the past two seasons. This is a special place with a great fan base, and I have no doubt this program and university will continue to raise the bar of excellence and success in the coming years. Our family will always look back so fondly on our time here. Roar Lions!”
The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for 256 Today and Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.
