Drew University Athletics

MADISON, N.J. (June 3, 2010) - Gail Gilchrest ended her three-year reign over the Drew Women's Basketball program this afternoon as she submitted her resignation to take the head coaching position at Rutgers-Camden of the New Jersey Athletic Conference.

"Gail helped turn the women's basketball program into a regional competitor in her three short years at Drew. We wish her nothing but the best at Rutgers-Camden. Our student-athletes, recruits, parents and fans can be certain that our next head coach will continue to build a tradition of winning basketball at Drew," said Athletic Director Jason Fein.

In just three years it was clear that Gilchrest had the Rangers going in the right direction. She took over a team in 2007 that just graduated two of the best players in the programs history in All-American Courtney Cunningham and all-conference performer Melissa Kraft. After winning six games in her first season at the helm she put together back-to-back double-digit win seasons. Last years team finished 15-12, the second most wins in a program that dates back to 1971. Her 32 wins are the second most victories ever by a women's basketball coach at Drew.

The young Rangers bested their 7-0 start two seasons ago by winning their first nine games this year. Drew only graduated one player, senior Jess DelVecchio, and will look to build off the last two years with three starters returning for the 2010-11 season.

Gilchrest will return to the NJAC where she starred as a player for two years at Kean University and was an assistant coach at Rowan. She will look to rebuild another program as Rutgers-Camden went 3-21 this past season including 0-13 in conference play.

The search for Gilchrest's replacement will begin in the immediate future.