Tuter resigns as UCI coach

Molly Tuter resigned Wednesday as women’s basketball coach at UC Irvine, Athletic Director Mike Izzi said.

Tuter, with one year remaining on her contract, compiled a 30-81 record in four seasons, including a 7-24 record last season, 3-13 in the Big West Conference.

Tuter took over as interim coach after Mark Adams resigned following an 0-7 start in 2004-05.

Tuter then guided that team to an 8-14 record and a first-round win in the Big West tournament. She was named head coach shortly after the conclusion of that season.

The next two seasons, the Anteaters battled a string of injuries and one defection, posting 9-19 and 6-24 campaigns, including first-round exits in the conference tournament.

Tuter expressed optimism about turning things around next season at the end of this past regular season and was enthused about the crop of incoming recruits.

Tuter and Izzi were unavailable for comment Thursday.

“I thank Molly for the passion and commitment she has shown to UC Irvine and wish her well in her future endeavors,” Izzi said in a relase.

Izzi, who is in his first year as athletic director, added that a national search for a new head coach would begin immediately.

Tuter was an assistant coach for three seasons at UCI from 2000 to 2004. Prior to that, she spent two seasons as an assistant at UCLA.

— From staff reports