March 16, 2005

BERKELEY, Calif. - California women's basketball head coach Caren Horstmeyer has been relieved of her duties, Golden Bear Athletic Director Sandy Barbour announced Wednesday.

"This was a very difficult decision," Barbour said. "Caren is a tremendous person who has great qualities. We certainly appreciate her efforts the past five years. The program has clearly made progress under Caren's leadership, particularly academically and in the community. However, our competitive goals have not been achieved, and it's my assessment that new leadership is required at this time."

Horstmeyer was hired April 17, 2000, and has since posted a 52-91 (.364) overall record and a 23-67 (.256) Pac-10 mark in five seasons in Berkeley. This past season, Cal posted an 11-18 record and finished eighth in the Pac-10 with a 4-14 mark.

Prior to Horstmeyer's arrival at Cal, she led Santa Clara to a 221-124 record in 12 seasons at the helm. In 17 seasons as a collegiate head coach, Horstmeyer has compiled a 273-215 record (.559).

Barbour indicated that a national search for a new coach would begin immediately. She did not indicate a specific timetable for the hiring, as many of the potential candidates could be involved in postseason tournaments and not be immediately available for interviews.