By David Merrill

sports@marshall

independent.com

MARSHALL – Southwest Minnesota State announced Tuesday that Allison Kruger resigned as head coach of the women’s basketball program.

Kruger finished her sixth season and her career record sits at 29-135.

SMSU Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski had been in discussion with Kruger over the past two weeks about the direction of the program.

“It was a decision she came to on her own accord,” Hmielewski said. “We have a Mustang family here and whenever one of our family members decides to make a change and go in a different direction, it’s very difficult.”

Hmielewski felt that Kruger has made a positive impact on the university and the Marshall community as a whole.

“She is someone that developed and earned the trust of the community, and her effort was at a very high level,” Hmielewski said. “I have enjoyed working with her. She has always brought a positive attitude to every aspect of her duties.”

There were a lot of factors that went into her decision, but a major one was wanting to explore other opportunities outside of coaching.

She felt this was the right time to make this move.

“It was time for me to step away from coaching,” Kruger said. “This will open up other opportunities that I have been interested in for awhile – whether it be administration or something else. Only time will tell.”

Kruger met with her players shortly before the SMSU Athletic Department released the press release on Tuesday.

Her players hearing it from her was a important to Kruger.

“With all the social media stuff going on, I really wanted them to hear it from me first,” Kruger said. “I feel like we all left on a positive note. They are a solid group and I believe in what they are doing. They are all going to go on and do great things.”

Kruger is going to miss being around her players the most.

She has enjoyed being a part of their lives.

“I’m going to miss influencing the players on and off the court,” Kruger said. “That’s the hardest part and what makes this so tough. This was not an easy decision for me to make.”

While Kruger doesn’t plan to return to coaching at this point, she does plan on staying in the Marshall area.

“Marshall is a great community and a place I call home,” Kruger said. “I have enjoyed the support I have received from everyone within and out of athletics. I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity.”

SMSU assistant coach Abby Oakland will be in charge of day-to-day operations as the interim head coach until a new coach is hired.

The Mustangs finished 5-24 overall and 3-19 in conference play this past season.