Williams leaves South Dakota for Colorado State

May 22, 2012 - 12:17 AM Fort Collins, CO (Sports Network) - Ryun Williams has left South Dakota to become the head women's basketball coach at Colorado State.

Williams joins the Rams after spending four seasons as South Dakota's head coach. The Coyotes were 76-47 under Williams and made back-to-back postseason tournament appearances in 2010-11 and 2011-12.

"It has been an extreme honor to be the women's basketball coach at the University of South Dakota," Williams said. "I will be forever grateful to USD for the opportunity it gave my family and I. Success comes because you are surrounded by great people and the people, players, coaches and leadership at USD have been truly amazing. And because of that my family and I are able to take this next step professionally. The experience of coaching at my alma mater will always be a tremendous highlight of my life. I cannot thank everyone enough who have made my time here at USD a very memorable experience."

With over 19 seasons in coaching, including 17 as a head coach, Williams has compiled an impressive 311-190 career record, with stops at South Dakota (2008-12), Wayne State College (1998-2008) and Sheridan College (1995-98).

"Williams is a proven winner," CSU director of athletics Jack Graham said. "He is dedicated, hard-working, and a very talented coach who brings a national reputation of success with him to Colorado State. I know he's excited to get started, and I know our fans will be excited to watch his teams in action. I am confident that under Coach Williams leadership, we will launch the Rams back to national prominence."

South Dakota named Ryan Larsen interim head coach after learning of Williams' departure. Larsen has been an assistant coach under Williams the past four seasons.