MOUNT PLEASANT - Citing a lack of energy, Fran Voll
announced today that he was resigning as the head women's
basketball coach at Central Michigan University effective
immediately.
Assistant coach Ina Nicosia has been named by CMU Athletics
Director Herb Deromedi as the interim head coach for the
remainder of the 2000-01 season.
"I've had a great run in college coaching and we did some
positive things at Central Michigan," said Voll, who was in his fifth
season with the Chippewas. "We would liked to have
accomplished more things but hopefully the program will
continue to grow and move in the right direction.
"I just didn't feel my energy level was where it needed to be and
the decision will be a lot better for my health. I'm moving along in
age and I realize it's time to get out of the game."
Voll was appointed head coach on April 9, 1996 by Deromedi after coaching Bowling Green
State University to a record of 144-60 from 1984-91.
"I understand Fran's decision and accept it," Deromedi said. "I appreciate his effort and his
commitment to the Central Michigan basketball program. Fran's lifetime achievements speak for
themselves.
"Now I look forward to having the program, under the direction of Ina, moving forward and
meeting the challenge ahead."
The Chippewas are 2-6 this season entering a road game at Michigan State on Wednesday,
Dec. 20. Voll is 43-73 in his five years at Central and his mark of 187 career wins (134 losses)
stand second in Mid-American Conference annals to Kent State's Bob Lindsay with 214.
"Central Michigan has been a great place to be," Voll said. "I will continue to support the
program, the athletics department and the university. I've met a lot of fine people through
basketball in this community."
Nicosia is in her second season with the Chippewas and is a 1995 graduate of the University of
Richmond where she was a standout basketball and track star. She came to CMU from James
Madison where she was an assistant coach for two seasons.
Also on the Central staff are assistant coach Kristin Irwin (Grand Valley/1997) in her second
season and graduate assistant coach Juli Grant (Cleveland State/2000) in her first.
There will search for a new head coach and the current staff will be encouraged to apply.