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Home > SECWB News & More! > SEC Teams > Mississippi > Ross Resigns at Ole Miss; Ladner Steps Up
Ross Resigns at Ole Miss; Ladner Steps Up
by LeAnne Harrington
Posted: April 26th, 2007 @ 11:47pm
In a move that caught SEC fans by surprise, Carol Ross announced today she is retiring as head coach of the Ole Miss women’s basketball team. But instead of jumping on the coaching carousel that seems to have taken many universities for a ride this spring, Ole Miss Athletic Director Pete Boone announced at the same press conference that assistant coach Renee Ladner would be stepping up to take Ross’ place. Boone stated that Ladner was promoted to the position of head coach on the advice of Ross. Terms of Ladner’s contract have yet to be negotiated, but Ladner thanked Ross several times at today’s press conference. Ross commented that she is confident Ladner has what it takes to be a successful coach, saying, "the SEC is not for the timid or the meek. Renee is a fierce competitor. She always has been. Playing pickup basketball you always wanted her on your team so she wouldn't beat you up. She has not changed much as a coach." Ladner and Ross were teammates at Ole Miss in the late 70’s and early 80’s, and after a successful run as a high school coach, Ladner made her move to the college ranks when Ross hired her as an assistant while at the University of Florida. Ladner followed Ross to Oxford when Ross took over the Ole Miss program in 2003.
Many will recall that Ross had already retired from the game once when she stepped down as head coach at the University of Florida, but was coaxed back into coaching by Ole Miss, her alma mater. Boone stated that Ross had given everything she had for as long as she could, but that it had taken its toll. Ross stated she didn’t intend to spend her whole life in a gym, and Boone was quoted as saying, "she (Ross) said she was a sprinter and that it was a marathon race." Ross leaves Ole Miss after having restored the program to national prominence, with the Rebels making it to the postseason in each of her four years at the helm, capped by a noteworthy run to the Elite Eight in this year’s NCAA tournament.
No comments were made by Ross as to what she intends to do. It would be nice to see her venture back into broadcasting, as she is a bright, knowledgeable, and quick-witted commentator. We wish Ross all the best in her future endeavors.
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