Stutz Named Head Women's Basketball Coach at Ozarks
May 3, 2004

Ashland University assistant women’s basketball coach Kelly Stutz has been named the head women’s basketball coach at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, ARK. Stutz will also serve as the head cross country coach at the NCAA Division III institution.

Stutz’s tenure at AU has been marked by success. She served as head coach Sue Ramsey’s top assistant for four years. Stutz was the team’s recruiting coordinator and strength and conditioning coach.

Stutz began her coaching career at West Virginia Wesleyan where she was the Bobcats’ recruiting coordinator for Ohio. She is a 1998 Muskingum graduate.

This past season, Stutz helped the Eagles go 23-8 and make their first-ever appearance in the NCAA Division II playoffs.

“I am so proud of Kelly and excited for her as she pursues this next step in her career path,” said Ramsey. “There is no doubt she is ready to run her own program. In her four years with our program Kelly made tremendous contributions. We wish her the best and know she will be successful in her future endeavors.”

“I believe Kelly is an up-and-coming star within the conference coaching ranks,” said Dave De Hart, director of athletics at the University of the Ozarks. “She is a wonderful addition to our staff and she will bring a brand new enthusiasm and energy to the women’s basketball program. She is exactly what I had in mind when we began the search. I was looking for someone who had paid their dues in a quality program and she has done that. The mentorship she’s had, along with her playing background, make her someone that will be an outstanding coach. Additionally, she will be a positive campus influence to others outside of the women’s basketball program.”

Stutz was chosen from a nation-wide search of over 130 candidates.

“The support for athletics is wonderful at Ozarks,” Stutz said. “I think the friendly campus environment, along with its academic reputation, will be instrumental in building a successful program. The campus itself is beautiful. The University understands that Division III athletics is a perfect balance of academics and athletics. Athletes compete in sports for the love of the game while learning discipline and the importance of hard work in the classroom.”