Eric Ely, head coach of the Mount Vernon Nazarene College women's basketball team, has announced his resignation from his current position to accept an assistant coaching position with the women's basketball team at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
"The decision to leave MVNC is one of the most difficult decisions that my family and I have encountered," said Ely. "I have done a lot of things in my life, but my first love professionally is basketball. After serving as the Director of Multicultural Affairs and teaching besides being a head coach, I am excited to be able to focus all of my energy in one area."
"This is a wonderful opportunity, and we feel very humbled that we were offered the job," Ely added. "It is difficult to break into the NCAA Division I level, and it is even harder to find a position at a Christian university. I am looking forward to working under an outstanding coach (Jerry Finkbeiner) who has three NAIA national championships under his belt."
After guiding the Lady Cougars to a 12-18 mark in his first season as a head coach, Ely led MVNC to a 19-18 overall record this past season. The Lady Cougars also finished fourth at the National Christian College Athletic Association national tournament as they tied the school record for the second-most wins in a season.
"Although we regret losing Coach Ely, we congratulate him and wish him the best in his new position at Oral Roberts," said Scott Flemming, MVNC's Athletic Director. "I appreciate the hard work and dedication that he has demonstrated over the past two seasons. He has laid a foundation for the next coach to build on."
"I would like to say a special thanks to MVNC and the Mount Vernon community for all of the support these past two years," said Ely. "We will watch with keen interest for MVNC in the news throughout the future."
