BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Carley Kuhns has resigned to pursue another coaching opportunity after six seasons as head women's basketball coach at Samford, the university announced Thursday afternoon.
 
"I would like to thank Carley for all she has done for the Samford women's basketball program and for Samford University," Samford Director of Athletics Martin Newton said; "She came in and had immediate success after being hired here in 2019 and has always represented Samford well. Her dedication to our program and to its student-athletes has been a tremendous asset and she will be missed."
 
Kuhns led Samford to the 2020 Southern Conference Tournament and regular-season titles with a 10-4 league record. Her 2020-21 team won the SoCon regular-season championship with an 11-2 league mark. She was named SoCon Coach of the Year in each of her first two seasons at Samford. Her first team in 2019-20 earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament before the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her 2020-21 team played in the WNIT.
 
"I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dr. Beck Taylor, Martin Newton and Michelle Durban for the privilege of leading such an exceptional program at this prestigious institution over the past six seasons," Kuhns said. "During these years, I've had the honor of working alongside some of the most real human beings, who are tremendous coaches and mentors in this profession. We truly became family, and I'm profoundly grateful to each of them for their investment in me and our players. To my current and former players—THANK YOU! You are the reason I do what I do, and I will forever cherish that you chose me as your coach. Samford is truly a special place, and I'm fortunate to take with me so many treasured memories that will always be a part of me. Thank you, Samford!"
 
During her time at Samford, the Bulldogs have had players earn 18 different spots on the Coaches All-SoCon or SoCon All-Defensive teams. Additionally, Andrea Bailey was a two-time SoCon Player of the Year under Kuhns' tutelage.
 
"I'm grateful to Coach Kuhns for her leadership of our women's basketball program," Samford President Dr. Beck A. Taylor said. "Carley always represented the mission and values of the university well, and she served as a role model for her players and others on Samford's campus. She will be missed."
 
Prior to coming to Samford, Kuhns spent three seasons as the head coach at her alma mater, Valdosta State. In her three seasons at VSU, Kuhns posted a record of 66-29. She led her teams to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 appearance in 2018 and one Gulf South Conference Tournament title in 2017.
 
A national search will begin immediately to find Kuhns' replacement.
 
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