The San Antonio Stars have hired three-time WNBA champion Ruth Riley as their new general manager, replacing Dan Hughes.
The Stars announced Wednesday that Riley, 36, will immediately take over as GM as part of a succession plan for Hughes, 61, who will stay on as coach for one more season. He also will work with Riley in the team's search for a new coach before stepping down at the end of the season.
After two coaching stints with the Stars that spanned nine years and produced a franchise-record 230 wins, Hughes said he decided it was "time for a change."
"We are fortunate to add Ruth Riley," said Hughes, a two-time WNBA coach of the year. "She is very bright, knows the women's game well and has a drive and passion to succeed. The future of the Stars is in good hands, and I look forward to assisting her as she learns her new role."
Riley won two WNBA titles with the Detroit Shock in 2003 and 2006 and again with the Stars in 2008. She spent five seasons in San Antonio after being traded from Detroit. A 13-year WNBA veteran who also played professionally in Greece, Spain and Poland, Riley averaged 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
Riley also earned the Naismith Player of the Year award in 2001, when she led Notre Dame to a national championship, and finished her collegiate career with 2,072 points.
The Stars open the season at home against Sacramento on May 4 before visiting Connecticut on May 5.