VALDOSTA, Ga. - After a 16 year tenure as the head coach of the Lady Blazer women's basketball program, which included nearly 300 victories, 14 postseason appearances, and a trip to the NCAA Division II South Regional Championship, Kiley Hill announced his resignation after accepting an assistant coach position at the University of Southern Mississippi.

"This decision was not an easy one," said Hill. "An opportunity arose at another great university that would allow me to grow professionally and also allow our family to be closer to our immediate family members that have been going through some serious health issues during the past few years, months, and weeks." 

Hill's career at Valdosta State comes to an end following an impressive stint that produced nearly 300 victories, two Gulf South Conference East Coach of the Year honors, and the title of the GSC East Division Coach of the Decade for his achievements from 2000-2010. In addition, the program's appearance in the Sweet Sixteen during the 2011-12 season led to the title of the NCAA Division II South Region Coach of the Year.
 
Hill's coaching career, which began in 2000 and has placed a heavy emphasis on strong defense, established Valdosta State as one of the top defensive teams in the country during 10 of the last 16 years. During his time at VSU, he has won 279 games against 177 losses.
 
"Kiley has had a tremendous run as our Lady Blazer basketball coach," said VSU Athletic Director Herb Reinhard. "During his 16 seasons, his teams have produced a .612 winning percentage and have been to the NCAA Tournament six times. During his time at VSU he has been named the WBCA South Region Coach of the Year and the Gulf South Conference's East Division Coach of the Decade. His young ladies have always played hard and been great representatives of Valdosta State both on and off the court. Kiley and his family are an integral part of our community and they will be missed. I am proud of what Kiley has done while at VSU and I wish him the very best as he makes this move to Southern Mississippi."
 
Hill's efforts have produced a slew of decorated student-athletes, including three All-Americans, two GSC All-Decade honorees, 22 All-GSC players, 28 GSC All-Academic student-athletes, and nearly a 100 percent graduation rate of student-athletes he has coached during his tenure. According to Hill, those student-athletes, along with staff members at VSU and members of the Valdosta community are one of the things he will miss the most.
 
"Having my family be embraced by Valdosta State and this community from the day we stepped on campus 16 years ago has been incredible," said Hill. "The lifelong friends we have established, the staff that we have had the pleasure of working with, and the opportunity to play a small part in the lives of the young women we have coached has been priceless. The folks we have come in contact with during our time at Valdosta State have had a bigger impact on us than they will ever know."

The Valdosta State Athletic Department will begin a search for a new head coach immediately. Applicants should apply online at www.valdosta.edu through the Human Resources and Development page. The direct link to the application page can be found HERE.