The Tarleton State University TexAnn basketball head coach Ronnie Hearne announced his retirement this morning at a press conference, while Misty Wilson was named the next head coach.

“It’s an exciting day for us in the athletics department, but it’s also a sad day in the athletics department as we announce the retirement of coach Ronnie Hearne,” athletics director Lonn Reisman said.

Hearne started his Tarleton coaching career in 2003. For 11 years Hearne broke school records and earned great achievements in the NCAA Division II.

“When I got this job, it was really special for my family and myself. It was kind of like I got the cake when I got the job and every day since then has been the icing,” Hearne said. “It really has been a true blessing and I’ve always felt like God brought me to this place.”

His record was 212-107 with a .617 winning percentage, the best percentage in the history of TexAnn coaches, while his 212-win record is the second highest in school history.

Hearne has led the Texans from LSC Tournament Championships to NCAA Regional Tournaments. He also guided the team to receive their first NCAA National rankings last season, going as high as No. 14 in the nation.

“It’s been a privilege and it’s been an honor to be the women’s basketball coach at Tarleton State University for the last couple seasons,” Hearne said. “I have loved coming to work everyday. I have loved every practice, the challenge of every game that we’ve played and the challenge of each new season. After saying that, I really don’t know why I’m retiring, but it’s time for someone else to take my place.”

Wilson, the assistant TexAnn basketball coach, will step up to the head coach position.

“For the last 12 years she has been the assistant basketball coach for Tarleton State University and helping coach Hearne build one of the most outstanding Division II women’s program in the country,” Reisman said.

Wilson is a former TexAnn basketball playerwho, from 1998 to 2002, produced 1,440 career points, which is the seventh all-time highest record. She is the second coach in school history who formerly played for the TexAnns, joining Jan Lowery.

“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of the many coaches before me and especially coach Hearne,” Wilson said. “We established a wonderful relationship; one that I will cherish and use in my coaching career and for the rest of my life. It’s an honor and I thank you for trusting me to carry on the legacy of this program.”