June 9, 2008

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Joe McKeown, head women's basketball coach at George Washington for the past 19 seasons, has accepted the same position at Northwestern University, it was announced by GW Director of Athletics Jack Kvancz and in a press conference in Evanston, IL, Monday. McKeown led the Colonials to 15 NCAA Tournaments, including a regional final (Elite Eight) appearance in 1997 and three regional semifinals (Sweet 16), and 441 victories during his tenure.

"We are grateful to Joe McKeown for 19 extraordinary years at the helm of our women's basketball program," said GW President Steven Knapp. "His dedication to the academic as well as athletic success of his players is legendary, and no one has done more to build the national athletic reputation of the George Washington University. He will be deeply missed, and we wish him all the best, both personally and professionally." "Joe has set a remarkable standard for coaching at GW as evidenced by his 509 career wins, four Atlantic 10 Championships, 15 NCAA Tournament appearances, three Sweet 16's and the Elite Eight in 1997," said GW Senior Vice President for Student and Academic Support Services Robert A. Chernak. "I wish him nothing but the most success at Northwestern."

The winningest coach in University and Atlantic 10 Conference history, McKeown transformed GW into a perennial NCAA Tournament qualifier shortly after his hiring in 1989. Following a 14-14 mark in his first season in 1989-90, McKeown guided the Colonials to 20-or-more victories and postseason appearances in 17 of the next 18 seasons. He directed four A-10 Championship teams (2003, 1996, 1995, 1992) and was named the conference's Coach of the Year five times 2007, 2002, 2000, 1997, 1991) and twice was named a national Coach of the Year nominee (1997, 1995).

McKeown and GW enjoyed unprecedented success recently, combining for a school-record 55 victories and a Top 25 national ranking in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches' Poll for 40 consecutive weeks during the past two seasons.

"Coach McKeown has done an outstanding job with our women's basketball program," said Kvancz. "We were fortunate to have young women representing GW who are true student-athletes. The 19 years he spent at GW were great. He also has become a friend, and I wish Joe and his family nothing but the best."

While at GW, McKeown coached a total of 51 all-conference performers, including six A-10 Players of the Year, seven All-America selections and four future WNBA players. McKeown's program also produced 18 Academic All-Conference honorees, three Academic All-Americans and four NCAA Woman of the Year candidates.

McKeown has totaled 509 victories with a 74.5 winning percentage in 22 seasons of coaching at GW (441-174) and New Mexico State (68-20). The 509 victories rank 21st among active coaches, while his 74.5 career winning percentage is 12th all-time.

A national search for McKeown's replacement will begin immediately.