Longtime Lamar (Ark.) High School Girl's Basketball Coach Carl Ramsey is the new Head Women's Basketball Coach at the University of the Ozarks, it was announced by Ozarks' Athletics Director Jimmy Clark.

Ramsey makes the jump to his alma mater after spending the last 29 seasons as head coach at Lamar. Ramsey's senior high teams averaged 22 wins during his career and he has posted a 660-227 (.744) overall record. He led Lamar to eight state tournament appearances during his tenure, including a stretch of four straight years where the Lady Warriors played for the state championship (1987-1991). He won state titles in both 1988 and 1991.

�We are excited about hiring a veteran coach that has won a lot of games during his career,� said Clark. �He is a guy who knows how to win. He has an impressive overall winning percentage, and I believe he will get us back to prominence. He knows how to get the most out of his players. I think he will bring local interest back to the program and he has many ties within the state that can be used for recruiting. I have confidence he can win as a college coach.�

Ramsey, who never had a losing season, guided Lamar to 24 regional tournament appearances. Six of his teams went to the regional championship game, with three of those winning the title. In addition to his coaching career, he has served as the school's athletic director the past 24 years.

�Lamar has been good to me,� said Ramsey. �I felt like I was at a time in my career where I needed a change. I wanted to bring on new challenges. The thought of starting over at something is exciting to me. I am more excited about basketball than I have been in a long time. As coaches, sometimes you get too complacent and you need to get out of your comfort zone. I think this a good opportunity and the timing is right for me. I�ve always had a connection to Ozarks. The thought of coming back where you started your career is enticing. I still have passion for the game.�

Ramsey received his bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Ozarks in 1979. He becomes the fifth head coach in program history and replaces Christina Jost, who took the head coaching job at NAIA Northern New Mexico College after going 15-61 in three seasons at Ozarks.