WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross Interim Director of Athletics Brendan Sullivan has announced that Bill Gibbons will not return as head coach of the Crusader women's basketball program. The change will take effect immediately.

“I would like to thank Coach Gibbons for his years of service to the College and his steadfast dedication to the exceptional student-athletes he has brought to Mount St. James. The impact he has had on more than three decades of student-athletes cannot be overstated,” said Sullivan. “However, we are committed to achieving a high standard of performance on the court. With the talent we have within this program we expect to consistently compete for Patriot League championships, and in recent years we haven't done that.”

Gibbons first joined Holy Cross in 1981 and spent the last 34 years at the helm of the women's basketball program. During Gibbons' tenure with the women's program, the Crusaders won 12 conference tournament titles and earned 13 postseason berths, last making the NCAA Tournament in 2007.

Over his 34 seasons, Gibbons compiled an overall record of 613-410, posting a 315-150 mark in conference play. He earned Patriot League Coach of the Year honors six times (1991, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003) and picked up his 600th career win on Feb. 24, 2018.

After leading the Crusaders to the 2019 Patriot League Tournament Semifinals, Ann McInerney will remain as interim head coach and lead the program through the 2019-20 season. McInerney – who was previously the head coach at the University of Maine (2005-07), Merrimack College (1999-05) and Nichols College (1990-92) – led the team to a 7-4 record in the final 11 games of the 2018-19 campaign. McInerney first joined the program in 2008 and was elevated to associate head coach in 2009.

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