Women's basketball coach Cindy Stein resigns

Her resignation will take effect at the end of the season.

By Emily Durfey

Published March 5, 2010

This week saw the resignation of Cindy Stein as coach of the Missouri women's basketball team, effective at the end of the season.

The Tigers started out strong this season, but their play diminished as Big 12 play began in January. Despite Stein's efforts to get her team on track, the Missouri's conference record now stands at 1-14 after a loss at Texas on Wednesday night.

At a news conference Tuesday morning, Stein said she and the university had mutually agreed to part ways.

"I hoped this announcement was something that I would never have to do," Stein said. "But I know deep down in my heart that this is in the best interest of the University of Missouri."

The announcement of Stein's upcoming resignation came via news release Monday evening. She spoke at Mizzou Arena the next morning.

"I think it's better that we focus on what's going on at Mizzou," Stein said. "I've got a lot of people asking me what I'm going to do next year, and it's gotten to the point where I don't want to be the distraction. I want my team to be focused."

Stein went in depth as to what she would miss the most upon her departure from Missouri.

"It's been a great opportunity," Stein said. "It's emotional when you think of the people. This is a special place. It's going to be a weird day when I don't come into Mizzou Arena."

The coach said the team would still be able to focus on the final two games of the season. She said when she informed the players of her decision, silence descended upon the room.

"They are a resilient group," Stein said. "But I've never heard them be that quiet. They were definitely in shock."

Stein also paid tribute to Missouri's fan base.

"Our fans are Mizzou fans," Stein said. "They are the ones that mean to most to me."

Stein also discussed the difficulty she saw from the bench and praised the effort she has seen in her 12 years on the sidelines.

"Our conference group is brutal," Stein said. "The coaches in this league are amazing, and they are so good. The league keeps getting better and better."

Athletics Director Mike Alden said there is a short list of potential candidates the university is considering but no announcements will be made until the season is over.

Alden also spoke at Tuesday's press conference and thanked Stein for her services to the university.

"I just want to mention how appreciative we are of the 12 years that Cindy has given to the University of Missouri," Alden said. "The way that she represents this university in the community is phenomenal, and she's a heck of a basketball coach. People have been made aware of when games are and the team in general. But now we're in a situation where certainly we're going to move forward to identifying who her successor will be. We have to see results on the court as well as support from the community."