‘Truly a special place’: Samford women’s basketball head coach Carley Kuhns resigns

After six seasons with the program, Samford’s head women’s basketball coach is stepping down.On Thursday, the university announced that Carley Kuhns was resigning to pursue another coaching opportunity. They did not say where.”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!”Kuhns guided Samford to back-to-back Southern Conference regular-season titles in 2020 (10-4) and 2021 (11-2), earning SoCon Coach of the Year in both seasons. Before its cancellation due to COVID-19, her 2019-20 team secured an NCAA Tournament bid.”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.”The university will immediately begin searching for Kuhn’s replacement.