Slone Resigns as Lady Jackets' Head Coach (July 2, 2004)

BILLINGS, MT – Dr. Gary Gray, Athletic Director at Montana State University-Billings, announced today the resignation of Ms. Melissa Slone, Head Women’s Basketball Coach, effective July 31, 2004.  Slone joined the Yellowjackets in August, 2003, as the result of a nationwide search to replace previous Head Coach Karyn Ridgeway.  Slone had served as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at the College of Charleston (SC), an NCAA Division I program, for five years prior to her arrival at MSU Billings.

“We feel very fortunate to have been able to attract a coach of Coach Slone’s experience, knowledge, and energy to MSU Billings.  We wish her all the best in her new ventures,” said Athletic Director Dr. Gary Gray.  “We will initiate a search immediately for her replacement.”

“I have valued my year at MSU Billings, and I will sincerely miss the many wonderful young women who are so dedicated to Lady Yellowjacket Basketball.  They are incredibly bright and talented student-athletes.  I wish them all the best in their future, and I plan to maintain contact with them by watching their continued success,” indicated Coach Slone.  “Leaving MSU Billings was a difficult decision for me to make, but I have decided to pursue some other exciting opportunities closer to my family in Kentucky.”