FLORENCE, Ala. (March 11, 2026) – University of North Alabama Director of Athletics Dr. Josh Looney officially announced the departure of head women's basketball coach Candi Whitaker on Tuesday, as Whitaker will step away to become the new head coach at Kansas City.
 
Whitaker completed two seasons at North Alabama, leading the Lions to a 17-14 overall record this season with an 11-7 record in Atlantic Sun Conference play. This marks the most overall, conference and Division I wins for the program since 2019-20.
 
Kansas City officially made the announcement Tuesday morning.
 
"Candi Whitaker is a highly respected and accomplished head coach who has been an outstanding leader for our women's basketball program," said Looney. "This opportunity represents a full circle moment for Candi, returning to a place deeply connected to her personal and professional roots. We're grateful for her contributions to UNA and wish her continued success.
 
"UNA women's basketball is on a strong trajectory, and the momentum from the past two seasons positions us well to attract another high caliber leader. Our program is strong, our culture is strong and we're excited about the future as the search for our next head coach begins immediately."
 
Whitaker led the Lions to an ASUN Quarterfinal appearance this season, defeating Queens in the first round. She now takes over a program that she led from 2006-12 at the start of her head coaching career.
 
"On behalf of myself and my family, we could not be more thankful for our time at North Alabama," said Whitaker. "Florence has been a place that immediately felt like home and is filled with so many great people who welcomed us with open arms. To Dr. Looney and President Kitts, thank you for believing in me, my staff and our vision for building this program. Your leadership, commitment, and dedication to UNA and women's athletics is the reason why we were able to make such huge strides in our short time here.
 
"It has been a great privilege to coach each of the young women that has put on a UNA uniform over the past two seasons. This is a special place with a great fan base, and I have no doubt this program and university will continue to raise the bar of excellence and success in the coming years. Our family will always look back so fondly on our time here. Roar Lions!"
 
The search for UNA's new head coach will begin immediately. Elevate Talent will partner with UNA in the search.
 
Elevate Talent is a leading executive search and leadership advisory firm in collegiate and professional sports. The North Alabama search will be led by Senior Partner Kyle Bowlsby. For more information about the opportunity or for interested parties and nominations, please submit materials to UNAWBB@oneelevate.com for formal consideration in the search process.
 
For more information on North Alabama Athletics, visit www.roarlions.com and follow UNA Athletics on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.