Monmouth University Accepts Women's Basketball Coach's Request to be Released Early From Contract

On the heels of one of the team's most successful seasons, Monmouth University has accepted head women's basketball coach Stephanie Gaitley's request to be released early from her contract.

Gaitley will be taking over as the head women's basketball coach at Fordham University for the 2011-12 season.

According to a release from the university, "Monmouth will make preparations immediately to begin a national search for a new head coach."

The release did not state the reason why Gaitley chose to leave Monmouth for the Atlantic 10 school, which is coming off a 12-19 season. Fordham's former head coach Cathy Andruzzi announced in early March that she would not be returning for the 2011-12 season.

Gaitley coached the Hawks to a 23-10 season, second place in the Northeast Conference (NEC), and a berth in the WNIT where the team lost to Syracuse.

Gaitley previously was the head coach of Atlantic 10 school St. Joseph's University and led the team five 20-win seasons. She also coached Monmouth University's NEC opponent Long Island to a school record 24 wins in 2007.

After filling the men's basketball head coaching vacancy with King Rice earlier this week, the university will now begins it search for a new women's coach.

"(Monmouth University) President (Paul) Gaffney joined (Vice President and Director of Athletics) Dr. Marilyn McNeil in pledging to find a strong coach, who will serve its wonderful women's team and keep Monmouth on its winning path," the release states.