Women’s basketball coach Kristy Curry has concluded her 13-year tenure at Alabama to accept the head coaching position at South Florida, both universities confirmed Tuesday.
South Florida’s Athletics CEO Rob Higgins praised the hiring, describing Curry as “a proven winner at the highest levels.”
“She has guided her teams to the NCAA championship game and built an exceptional resume that includes 16 20-win seasons and 21 postseason appearances over 27 years as a head coach,” Higgins stated. “I’m incredibly excited about the future of South Florida women’s basketball under her leadership.”
The decision marks an unexpected career shift for the 59-year-old Curry, who has exclusively coached at major conference programs throughout her career, including Purdue from 1999-2006, Texas Tech from 2006-13, and most recently Alabama. Her move to the American Conference represents a departure from high-major basketball.
South Florida previously enjoyed consistent NCAA Tournament success under Jose Fernandez during his 25-year leadership before he departed to coach the WNBA’s Dallas Wings in 2025. Michele Woods-Baxter filled the interim role for the 2025-26 season, leading the Bulls to a 20-12 record and 13-5 conference mark, though they failed to secure a tournament berth.
“I would like to thank Rob Higgins for the tremendous opportunity to lead a proud South Florida women’s basketball program,” Curry expressed in her statement. “A strong foundation is in place, and I look forward to building on it as we pursue conference championships and NCAA Tournament success. Rob and the University’s commitment to competing at the highest level—along with the clear vision and alignment at USF—are truly exceptional. I can’t wait to meet Bulls Nation and experience a rocking Yuengling Center.”
Alabama Athletic Director Greg Byrne acknowledged Curry’s departure, stating she performed “a commendable job” during her time with the program.
“We appreciated her contributions and wish her and her family well moving forward,” Byrne commented. “As we begin a national search for our next head coach, Alabama athletics remains committed to the continued growth and investment in women’s basketball.”
Under Curry’s guidance, Alabama secured four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and reached the second round in three straight seasons. The Crimson Tide’s most recent campaign concluded Monday with a heartbreaking 69-68 defeat to third-seeded Louisville in the Round of 32, despite entering as a sixth seed.
The program achieved a 24-11 overall record and 7-9 SEC conference mark this season. Alabama also earned AP Top 25 recognition for the second consecutive year, reaching as high as No. 21 in the rankings. Prior to Curry’s arrival, the program hadn’t appeared in the polls since the 1998-99 season.
Curry brings an impressive 554-322 career coaching record to South Florida. Her most notable achievement came at Purdue in 2001, when she guided the Boilermakers to the Final Four and championship game, where they defeated Missouri State before falling 68-66 to Notre Dame for the national title.
