Worrell retires after 20 years as Tennessee Tech's coach

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Bill Worrell retired Wednesday as Tennessee Tech's women's basketball coach after 20 seasons, 408 victories, 12 Ohio Valley Conference regular season titles and eight NCAA tournament berths.

"My family means a great deal to me, I'm healthy, and I've just reached a point in my life to make a change," Worrell said in a statement.

Worrell turns 60 this month and leaves with a record of 408-190 as head coach. He was named OVC coach of the year four times with the women's basketball team and once was OVC coach of the year in men's tennis.

Worrell had been assistant coach to Marynell Meadors before taking over in 1986. He immediately lead the Golden Eaglettes to an Ohio Valley Conference championship and an NCAA berth.

"It's always a surprise when one of your key leaders announces his retirement," athletic director Mark Wilson said. "We really, really appreciate the great service Bill Worrell has given Tennessee Tech University."

Worrell gave his Golden Eaglettes the news during a meeting Tuesday night, and they were surprised.

"We are going to miss him. I'm just in shock right now," junior Kendall Cavin said. "I've been under him for three years, and most of what I do is what he has taught me."

Last season, the Golden Eaglettes won an unprecedented 16th OVC regular-season title -- Worrell's 12th, which was shared with Southeast Missouri State -- and finished 23-9. They earned a bid to the Women's National Invitation Tournament, where they beat Belmont before being eliminated at Western Kentucky.

"I never knew it was going to be now," Worrell said. "It just came about. There was no reason or event. I just decided during the season that I can't do this anymore. I knew the time was right."