There weren’t any signs of sadness. No sight of grief.
Rather, the Oregon women’s basketball players greeted the news of coach Jody Runge’s resignation Monday with a strong sense of relief, as if the dark clouds that hung over their heads had cleared.
“We’re just pleased that it’s over with and there’s finally closure on the issue and we don’t have to answer any more questions about what’s going to happen,” point guard Shaquala Williams said. “We can move on.”
As Athletic Director Bill Moos announced the news in a press conference in the Casanova Center Monday afternoon, the players were already trying to put the past behind them by holding a workout in the Moshofsky Center.
The team has grown weary of the controversy that has circled them ever since news leaked of the eight unidentified players meeting with Moos on March 4 to air their concerns about Runge.
“We were all kind of in limbo for about eight weeks, not knowing what was going to happen,” forward Ndidi Unaka said. “I think a lot of us feel relief that finally something has happened.”
Many players admitted they didn’t even read the newspapers or watch the numerous television reports that regarded their program and the private law firm that was investigating it.
“Got tired of it,” Williams said. “Every time some new rumor comes up, people are calling your house and wanting to get an interview, so we’re happy it’s over with.”

Those individuals who did speak Monday, though, made sure to thank Runge for bringing them into the program and for raising Oregon women’s basketball to a high level. In eight seasons, Runge coached the Ducks to eight NCAA Tournament appearances and to a combined record of 160-73.
“I think everyone needs to give coach Runge tremendous credit,” Williams said. “She put this program in a spot where it’s one of the top programs in the country, and you can’t take that from her. Granted, she had her ways, but her ways got her program to where it was.”
But it was also “her ways” that alienated many of her athletes who weren’t satisfied with the way the program was run.
Unaka, for one, cited a severe lack of communication between coach and players.
“She didn’t really develop relationships with her players off the court, and I think a lot of us really wanted that in a coach,” Unaka said. “We just want someone who cared about us as people as well as basketball players.”
Added Williams: “Coach Runge is a very strong-willed woman. She has her ways and she’s set in them. When she says something, she wants it done that way.”
As of now, one of Oregon’s three assistant coaches will be named interim head coach until a new coach is found. Moos, who said that he cares for Runge and her future, said the search for a replacement is underway.
“The players have been through a lot,” Moos said. “I assured them that the process to secure a new coach is a priority to me.”
The recurring message in each of the players’ voices Monday was that this was a fresh start for the team. Oregon guard Jamie Craighead mentioned how “excited” she was.
“I want to wish coach Runge the best of luck wherever she goes, but I think this will be very good for our program,” Craighead said. “I’m glad that it’s over. It’s been draining.”
Runge, who wished the team well in a released statement, has not addressed her former team yet.
“If she wants to talk to us, that’s fine,” Unaka said. “But I think we’re just looking toward the future.”