"Amy has contributed much to the success of our women's basketball program in her nine seasons at Drake," says Hatfield Clubb. "We appreciate the commitment she has given to the program's success and wish her the best in future endeavors."

Drake finished the 2011-12 campaign with an 18-16 record, good for a fifth-place place tie in the Missouri Valley Conference, and earned its fourth trip to the postseason in seven years. The Bulldogs lost to the University of South Dakota Coyotes in the first round of this year's WNIT.

"As the 2011-12 season came to a close with another postseason tournament bid, Drake and I agreed we had different visions for the future of the program," says Stephens. "While I believe each of our perspectives is honorable, I have decided to tender my resignation. I am grateful for my time at Drake and humbled by having had the chance to lead the women's team to the best overall record in the Missouri Valley Conference for the past decade. I wish Drake and the women's team nothing but the best in the future. I hope Drake continues to attract the same high quality young women I have had the privilege to coach."

Stephens, who was named Drake's women's head coach in 2003, compiled a 151-130 record in nine seasons at Drake (87-75 in regular season MVC play). Drake was the Valley's most successful women's basketball team in the last decade (2000-2009).

Stephens came to Drake after one year as assistant coach at the University of Nebraska, and eight years as head coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney before that. Her overall record stands at 348-173 after 17 seasons.

The University will immediately start a nationwide search for Stephens' successor.