Tom Curle led Plattsburgh State to five SUNYAC titles, nine NCAA Tournaments and three trips to the Round of 16 in 16 seasons. Plattsburgh State athletics photo

Plattsburgh State head coach Tom Curle, who turned the Cardinals into a Top 25 program, is leaving Upstate New York to become William Peace University's Athletic Director.

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Plattsburgh State made the announcement on Thursday.

"It has been an honor to coach at my alma for the past 16 years," Curle said in the release. "The relationships established with former players, alumni, colleagues and community members will always be cherished. I will remain a loyal Cardinal, and those friendships will endure. My time at Plattsburgh State has me well-prepared to meet the challenges I will face as the Athletic Director at William Peace University."

Curle arrived in Plattsburgh, N.Y. in 2003 and quickly elevated the Cardinals into contention in the State University of New York Athletic Conference (SUNYAC). Two seasons later the Cardinals won their first of three consecutive conference titles, followed by a fourth in 2008. That season the Cardinals went 27-3, ran the table in conference and were ranked No. 7 entering the NCAA Tournament before losing to Brandeis in the sectional semifinals. The Cardinals would return to the Round of 16 twice more under Curle.

Overall Curle went 292-152 in 16 seasons at Plattsburgh State and finished as the school's all-time leader for coaching victories. Prior to that Curle earned the same distinction at Division II Post University where he won 77 games in five seasons and Curle was second all-time for victories at Alfred State when it was a junior college. Curle finishes his coaching career with 386 wins in 22 seasons as an NCAA coach and 556 wins in 31 seasons overall. Curle was the conference coach of the year four times and the D3hoops.com East Region Coach of the Year twice. 

"I could not be happier for Tom and for William Peace University," Plattsburgh State Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Mike Howard said in teh release. "I know this type of leadership position has been a goal of his for a few years now, and I have no doubt that he will do a tremendous job. He will certainly be missed by many here in Cardinal Country, and I consider myself fortunate to have had the opportunity over the past three years to work closely with him as a member of our administrative team."

Last season Plattsburgh went 20-7, 14-4 in conference and lost to Gwynedd Mercy in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.