BREAKING: Wyoming Cowgirls Basketball Coach Joe Legerski Announces Retirement

After 16 years as the head coach of the University of Wyoming women's basketball program, Joe Legerski has announced his retirement.

In a statement posted on the University of Wyoming Athletics Department Facebook page Wednesday afternoon, Legerski thanked UW administration, support staff, coaches and players for helping make the program a success.

"I have made the decision to retire as the head coach of this great institution. It is nice to be able to make this choice at this time in my life," Legerski wrote.

In a separate statement, UW Athletics Director Tom Burman said his department will explore all options available to find a new head coach who understands the importance of the program.

"I respect Joe as much as anyone who I have worked with in college athletics," Burman said. "I will miss him more than I can say, but I have to respect his decision to retire from the head-coaching position here at the University of Wyoming."