Lindenwood University Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Brad Wachler announced today that women's basketball head coach Tony Francis is resigning to explore other professional opportunities.
 
"We would like to thank Coach Francis for his eight years of service and commitment to Lindenwood University," said Wachler. "He was a true ambassador to this program, and a positive role model to the student-athlete. As we saw this year with their remarkable run, he will leave the program in great shape."
 
Francis is coming off one of the best seasons in school history. The Lions won the program's first MIAA Tournament title, and also advanced to the NCAA Division II National Tournament for the first time.
 
"I believe we have accomplished significant goals and established a championship culture in our time at Lindenwood," Francis said. "After much prayer and consultation, my family and I have decided to pursue our next opportunity to serve. We wish everyone at Lindenwood all the best."
 
In his eight seasons at Lindenwood, Francis compiled a record of 109-122, and qualified for the MIAA Tournament each year the program was eligible.
 
In the previous four seasons, the team not only excelled on the court but they also performed well in the classroom. The Lions had over 30 players named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll, and had the top team GPA in the Lindenwood athletics program of 3.759 in 2013-14.
 
Since joining the MIAA in 2013-14, Francis coached two freshmen, Kassidy Gengenbacher and Kallie Bildner, that earned MIAA Freshman of the Year honors.
 
Francis took over a Lindenwood program in 2010-11 that had not had a winning season in nine years and promptly had one of the top turnarounds in the NAIA. Lindenwood went from nine wins to 21 and finished second in the HAAC with a 15-5 record.