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| Ryan Gould led the Thunder to a program-best 26-4 record and two wins in the NCAA Tournament last season. Photo by Larry Radloff, d3photography.com |
Trine enters the new season with a Top 10 ranking and hopes of defending its MIAA title, but it won't enter the season with Ryan Gould as its head coach. The University terminated Gould and elevated Assistant Athletic Director Andy Rang to interim head coach.
Trine released the following statement on Friday afternoon.
"On Oct. 16, 2018, Trine University suspended women’s head basketball coach Ryan Gould pending an investigation into potential violations of Gould’s contractual obligations and potential violations of university policies. As a result of that investigation, Mr. Gould’s employment with the university has been terminated effective Oct. 31, 2018. Going forward, the women’s basketball team will be led by interim head coach Andy Rang."
Gould went 85-25 in four seasons with Trine, including a 26-4 mark last season. The Thunder shared the MIAA title with Hope and reached the sectional semifinal round of the NCAA Tournament. Trine's only other NCAA Tournament appearance also came under Gould in 2016-17 when the Thunder went 25-3. The University then gave him a five-year contract extension through the end of the 2021-22 season.
Rang spent the last six seasons on the Trine staff, working throughout Gould's tenure and two years under prior head coach Steve Mix. Prior to that Rang was the Director of Operations for two seasons at Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne and the head women's basketball coach at Fort Wayne South Side High School. Trine promoted Rang to associate head coach during the summer.
Trine opens the season on Saturday, Nov. 10 against Denison.