By: Ian Marks - Assistant Athletic Director - Media Relations

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – University of Alaska Anchorage head women's basketball coach Ryan McCarthy was named head coach at Div. I Fresno State Monday.

"It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to be the women's basketball coach at UAA, said Ryan McCarthy. "The ladies who built this have left a championship legacy and the most rewarding legacies are the graduates, professionals, spouses and mothers who have come through. Over the past 13 seasons we have had some exceptional ladies in our program who have impacted our university and the state of Alaska.

"Growing up in Alaska and watching the Seawolves created a dream that I was ultimately able to fulfill in being a part of this great university.  I am so thankful for: all the administrators who I got to work for, assistant coaches who helped build our vision, support staff who worked alongside our mission, boosters who helped advance our program and every lady who wore a Seawolf uniform.

"I am confident that UAA will continue to be committed to athletic excellence and that women's basketball here will compete at a high level. While it is sad to say goodbye, it is rewarding to know that we are leaving this program in a good position.

"To everyone who has touched this program and believed in our vision, from the bottom of my heart, thank you."

McCarthy leaves Anchorage with a 309-67 (.821) record, a GNAC-record seven conference titles and nine NCAA Tournament appearances. The Seawolves were the NCAA Div. II national runner-up in 2016, the highest finish ever in program history. McCarthy coached eight All-Americans, ten All-Region and 38 All-GNAC selections. He was honored with six GNAC Coach of the Year and five West Region Coach of the Year honors. McCarthy has posted victories over nine NCAA Div. I teams and has won two Great Alaskan Shootout titles.

"We wish to extend our deepest appreciation to Ryan McCarthy. For the past 13 years, coach McCarthy has led the women's basketball program and has made special contributions to the program's success," said athletic director Ryan Swartwood. "We wish coach McCarthy the best in his next chapter."

UAA will immediately begin a national search for its next head women's basketball coach.