BLOOMSBURG—Bloomsburg University women's basketball coach Bill Cleary has announced that he is stepping down from the position to become the head coach of the women's basketball team at Colgate University in New York.
 
In eight seasons as head coach at Bloomsburg, Cleary turned the Huskies into a regional power, guiding the program to an overall record of 164-69 (.703), including 137-42 (.765) over the past five seasons. Under Cleary, the Huskies made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances (2012-2015), the longest run for the school since also making four straight appearances from 1989-92. Bloomsburg's 102 wins from 2012-2015 was also the winningest four-year period in school history. In 2014-15, Bloomsburg also captured its fifth consecutive outright PSAC East title, becoming the first team in the division to ever accomplish that feat.

Cleary came to Bloomsburg after spending five seasons as the head coach of the women's team at Wilmington University in New Castle, Delaware, where he turned around the struggling program by leading the team from two wins the season prior to his arrival to a school-record 22 wins in 2007-08.
 
"It will be hard leaving Bloomsburg, a place my wife and boys have called home for the past eight years," said Cleary. "We've developed many great friendships here and we are truly going to miss the wonderful people of this community."
 
"I can't leave without thanking the Bloomsburg University administration led by Dr. David Soltz as well as former athletic director Mary Gardner, who took a chance on me years ago, and current A.D. Michael McFarland for the support they have given to me over the years," Cleary continued. "Also, thanks to my former assistant coach Diane Decker (now head coach at East Stroudsburg) and my current assistants Alyssa Flanagan and Advia Campbell for all their hard work and dedication. And finally, I want to thank the many players who played for me. They were the main reasons for the success we were able to achieve. Without their efforts I would not be where I am today."
 
Bloomsburg University Athletic Director, Dr. Michael McFarland, wishes Cleary nothing but the best.
 
"The Department of Athletics would like to thank Coach Cleary for all he has done for Bloomsburg University women's basketball and taking us to the next level," McFarland.  "Coach Cleary, along with his coaches and student-athletes, has created many memories, some championship runs, and a host of accomplishments for Husky friends, fans, and alumni to be proud of.  While we are disappointed with his departure, we wish Bill and his family all the best at Colgate, for many years to come."
 
A national search for Cleary's replacement will be conducted.