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ASU's Charli Turner Thorne takes leave

TEMPE, Ariz. -- Arizona State head women's basketball coach Charli Turner Thorne is taking a leaving of absence.

The university announced on Monday that Thorne will be out for the 2011-2012 season and plans to return in Spring 2012. The leave is unpaid.

Coach Joseph Anders will take over as interim head coach for the season.

Thorne says in a statement that she's going to use the time to "regain balance in her life." She is married and the mother of sons ages 12, 10 and 7.

Thorne has led the Sun Devils for 15 seasons and made six NCAA Tournaments in the past seven seasons.