By Jeff Kontz, sports editor

The search for a new coach women’s basketball coach is well under way, and Athletic Director Joe Zimmerman hopes to announce the new hire as soon as next week.

Friends University officially released women’s basketball coach Gayla Soyez on March 15. After the program finished its eighth season under Soyez, Zimmerman felt it was necessary for the University to go in a new direction.

“It was a very difficult decision. Coach Soyez is a very good person and a very hard worker,” said Zimmerman. “It is what I believe to be in the best interest of the student athletes and the program.”

Soyez could not be reached for comment.

Zimmerman expressed the need for a coach who is well-rounded and understands the importance of the student aspect of student-athlete.

The search began with more than 100 applicants from across the nation, and Zimmerman hopes to narrow it down to four in-person interviews this week.

“It is what it is,” said sophomore Nikki Hudspeth about her coach’s release. “There’s not much anyone can do about it but move on.”

The program hopes to move on quickly as soon as the new coach is introduced. Open gym practices are currently taking place to keep the players in the basketball mindset during the coaching transition. Friends will continue its quest at having a highly competitive team in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference come November.