April 15, 1997

Head Coach Fred Williams Announces he is Leaving USC

LOS ANGELES-- Fred Williams is leaving USC after 2 years as its women's head basketball coach, Trojan athletic director Mike Garrett announced today.

"Fred and I mutually have agreed that for the betterment of the program and for him personally that he would not be coaching at USC any more," said Garrett. "The dynamics were that things just didn't mesh and sometimes in life that happens. We came to this mutual parting of the ways in a very amicable and professional manner. Fred is a wonderful person and a friend, and I'll miss him."

Said Williams: "We mutually agreed that it was in the best interests of many parties--the program, the players and myself--that I no longer should be the coach at USC. I respect the decision we made and have no bad feelings. Even though I won't be here as the coach, I know there are great things in store for the USC women's basketball program and the players on this team."

Williams, 40, had a 33-23 record in his 2 seasons (1996-97) guiding the Women of Troy. He also was USC's associate coach for 2 years (1994-95) and assistant coach for 8 seasons (1984-91). He was an assistant at UC Irvine for 2 years (1992-93).

Garrett said he will begin a search for Williams' successor "promptly and in a reasonable time frame."