SAN ANTONIO (July 8, 2010) - Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) announced the appointment of William Russell "Rusty" Kennedy II as the head coach for the University's women's basketball team. His official start date is July 13. He will replace former Head Coach Daryl Vincent.

OLLU began competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) in women's basketball in 2009-2010. The Saints were picked to finish seventh out of 11 teams in pre-season polls conducted by the Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC). The team finished its regular season in fifth place with an overall record of 17-15 and a conference record of 12-8. The Saints participated in the conference tournament losing in the semifinal round to No. 1-seeded Langston University.

Kennedy finished his fifth season as athletic director and head women's basketball coach at Clarendon College, a National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I program. While at Clarendon, Kennedy led his team to the regional tournament for only the third time in the school's 25-year history. He posted a 85-67 record in five seasons including a 20-11 record in 2004-2005. In 2009-2010, his team led the nation in scoring with an average of 92.2 points per game. As athletic director, Kennedy managed all aspects of intercollegiate athletics, as well as the marketing and fundraising efforts to both external and internal audiences. He has been the chief athletic advocate to the president and senior administration for planning, developing and implementing athletic procedures for policy development. Kennedy also taught business courses at the college.

Prior to joining Clarendon College, Kennedy was the head women's coach at North Arkansas College, also a member of the NJCAA. His team compiled a 40-19 record over two years. The Lady Pioneers also excelled in the classroom with a composite GPA of 3.396. From 2001-2003, he coached women's basketball at Bacone College, an NAIA RRAC Division I team. He led the team as it transitioned from NJCAA to NAIA. During his tenure, he was named conference coach of the year. Bacone also excelled in academics with a combined GPA of 3.428.

Kennedy received a Bachelor of Science in exercise science from Oklahoma Wesleyan University in Bartlesville, Okla., and a Master of Science in management from Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla. Kennedy had a successful playing career, as well. He scored more than 1,200 points and garnered all-conference and all-region honors at Oklahoma Wesleyan.

"We were very impressed with Rusty's outstanding experience as a head coach in successful programs," said Jack Hank, Vice President for Student Life/Athletic Director. "We have every confidence that he will improve upon the success of our inaugural team as we enter our second year."