Robinson resigns as Owls women's basketball coach

After two seasons and a 30-19 record, Ayriell Robinson has resigned as the William Woods women's basketball coach.

The Owls are coming off a 5-12 season but had a 25-7 season to begin Robinson's tenure with a NAIA national championship appearance to finish her first season.

"I want to thank (Director of Intercollegiate Athletics) Jason Vittone and the entire William Woods community for allowing me to be the head women's basketball coach these last two years," Robinson said. "I have enjoyed being a part of this institution and will always be grateful for my time here, the players I have coached, and the people I have met along the way."

Robinson came to William Woods after spending three years as an assistant at Lindenwood University, helping the Lions net back-to-back NCAA Division II national tournament appearances.

She had similar success with the Owls her first season, after being hired in July 2019, with their NCAA tournament appearance - even though the tournament was canceled because of the pandemic - and their No. 25 spot in the final NAIA Coaches' Top 25 poll. Two players, Kaycee Gerald and Peyton Greenlee, were named to the AMC all-conference team and Gerald was also named the conference defender of the year and part of the conference all-defensive team. Both players were also honorbale mentions for the NAIA All-American team.

Her second and final season last year concluded with an exit in the AMC championships quarterfinals after losing 45-28 to top-seeded Lyon College, who were No. 18 in the nation. Natalie Thomas emerged as an all-conference player and member of the conference all-freshman team.

Robinson also coached two NAIA-Daktronic Scholar-Athletes and 16 academic all-conference selections in her two years as the Owls head coach.

The search for her replacement has begun.

"I wish we could have had more time with Coach Robinson, but this is a tremendous opportunity for her," Vittone said. "I'm grateful for the work she put into our program and wish her luck."