UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State fired women’s head basketball coach Carolyn Kieger on Thursday, marking the end of her seven seasons at the helm.

Athletic director Dr. Patrick Kraft made the decision, calling it “a change in leadership for the Lady Lion basketball program” in a press release emailed to the media.

Kieger, who came to Penn State after coaching Marquette, concludes her time in Happy Valley after seven seasons running the women’s basketball program, finishing with an 84-123 record at Penn State and 183-188 overall head coaching record.

The Lady Lions finished the season with an 11-18 record, including a 4-14 mark in the Big Ten. Only two teams were worse than Penn State in the 18-team Big Ten, Northwestern (8-21, Big Ten 2-16) and Rutgers (9-20, Big Ten 1-17). Rutgers earlier this week fired its head coach Coquise Washington, who was once the head coach at Penn State before she was also fired.

“We appreciate coach Kieger’s commitment and passion she brought to Penn State Lady Lion basketball,” Kraft said. “Looking ahead, we remain committed to competing at the highest level, and we believe a change in leadership is necessary to propel the program toward sustained excellence.”

Throughout her years in University Park, Kieger coached Makenna Marisa, a two-time All-Big Ten first team member and Leilani Kapinus, an All-Big Ten Defensive team selection. Most recently, she mentored Gracie Merkle, the nation’s leader in field goal percentage for 14-straight weeks. Kieger also guided the Lady Lions to the final four of the inaugural Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament in 2023-24.

A national search for the next head coach of the Penn State women’s basketball program will begin immediately.