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Campbell women's coach steps down after 35 seasons

BUIES CREEK, N.C. -- Longtime Campbell women's basketball coach Wanda Watkins has stepped down and is moving into an administrative role, the school announced Wednesday.

Watkins was the 10th women's coach in Division I to spend at least 30 seasons at one school. She was 549-443 in 35 years at her alma mater, leading the Camels to the NCAA tournament in 2000.

"It is really difficult to put into words the joy the past 35 years of coaching have brought to my life. I want to thank Campbell for the wonderful opportunity to serve as women's basketball coach, a job I truly loved," Watkins said on the team's website.

"I also want to express my gratitude to the many student-athletes who have played for us at Campbell. I have been blessed beyond measure to have had the opportunity to be associated with each of them. I am so grateful for the coaches who I have had the opportunity to work alongside over the years, who have made the program one that our alumni and university can be proud of. The loyalty of my current staff is unheard of in today's world, and I will always be grateful for their devotion and loyalty to Campbell."

Watkins will become a liaison for the athletic director and the university president and will serve as a mentor for other coaches at the school.