Carley Kuhns has resigned as head coach of the Samford women’s basketball team to pursue another coaching opportunity, the university announced Thursday afternoon. Kuhns led the Bulldogs for six seasons, beginning in 2019.
“Carley has been an incredible asset to the Samford women’s basketball program,” said Samford Director of Athletics Martin Newton. “She achieved immediate success upon her arrival and has always represented the university with great pride. Her dedication to both the program and its student-athletes will be missed.”
Under Kuhns’ leadership, Samford won the 2020 Southern Conference Tournament and regular-season titles with a 10-4 conference record. In the following season, her team claimed the SoCon regular-season championship with an 11-2 mark. She was named SoCon Coach of the Year in each of her first two seasons at Samford. Her first team earned an NCAA Tournament bid, which was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Kuhns’ 2020-21 team also participated in the WNIT.
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Beck Taylor, Martin Newton, and Michelle Durban for the privilege of leading such an outstanding program at Samford University,” Kuhns said. “I’ve had the honor of working with exceptional coaches and mentors, and I will always cherish my time with the players and staff. Samford is a truly special place.”
During her tenure, Kuhns helped her players earn 18 spots on the Coaches All-SoCon or SoCon All-Defensive teams, and Andrea Bailey was named SoCon Player of the Year twice under her guidance.
“Coach Kuhns has been a great leader for our women’s basketball program,” Samford President Dr. Beck A. Taylor said. “She embodied the mission and values of Samford University and served as an excellent role model for our players and community.”
Before her time at Samford, Kuhns coached at Valdosta State, where she posted a 66-29 record and led the team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 in 2018.
A national search for Kuhns’ replacement will begin immediately.
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