TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — USF Athletics announced its women's basketball Head Coach Jose Fernandez is pursuing an opportunity to coach in the WNBA.

The announcement was made in a statement posted to social media, in which they called his parting a "bittersweet moment" for the program, but a well-deserved opportunity for Fernandez.

Over the past 25 years, Fernandez has launched the university's women's basketball program into unprecedented success. Included among the achievements under his leadership, the team has made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, and boasts 12 20-win seasons, nine of which earned them a Top 25 ranking.

Michele Woods-Baxter will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the 2025-2026 season, which kicks off on Nov. 3.

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