Western Michigan Will Not Return Women’s Basketball Coach Tasha McDowell in 2012-13

KALAMAZOO, Mich.- The Western Michigan Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has made the decision not to retain head women's basketball coach Tasha McDowell for the 2012-13 season. A nationwide search to replace McDowell will commence immediately.

"After completing an evaluation of our women's basketball program, we have decided to move in a new direction in terms of leadership," commented athletic director Kathy Beauregard after the announcement was made Monday, March 12, 2012. "We would like to thank Tasha [McDowell] for her service to Western Michigan University and wish her the best in future endeavors."

"Glory and honor to God. I would like to thank President Dunn and our athletic director, Kathy Beauregard for their leadership and the opportunity to serve Western Michigan University, the city of Kalamazoo and the Bronco fan base," McDowell stated.

"For the past four years, our players, the assistants and myself have dedicated ourselves to this program and because of that I leave here with no regrets. I am thankful to all those that supported us and I'm looking forward to seeing this program thrive for years to come. I wish the entire WMU family the very best."

McDowell concluded year four of a five-year contract in 2011-12, posting an overall record of 33-87, while going 17-47 in Mid-American Conference games. The Broncos closed out this past season with an 8-22, 5-11 MAC record, falling to Northern Illinois, 68-51, in the first round of the MAC Tournament, March 3.