SPARTANBURG, S.C. – Converse University head men's basketball coach Ryan Saunders is relinquishing his position with the Valkyries and will make the move to Elon University.

"I would like to thank Ryan Saunders for the great job he has done in building the foundation of our men's basketball program at Converse University," Converse University Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Jenn Bell said. "Starting a program from scratch and setting the standards for a first-year program can be a daunting task for some, but Ryan embraced the challenge. We wish him the best as he continues his coaching career."

"This is a truly bittersweet moment for me as I leave Converse after such a short time," Saunders said. "I am so thankful to Jenn Bell for giving me my first head coaching opportunity. Converse is such a great place filled with incredible people, supportive administration, and of course our talented student-athletes. We started something very special and I am confident that our players and the new coach will continue to drive the program forward in their pursuit of excellence. As I begin this new journey, one I feel is a great opportunity for our family, I still look forward to following and supporting the program and the University for many years to come."

Saunders has spent the last two seasons laying the foundation of the men's basketball program at Converse University. On opening night, Saunders led the Valkyries to a 93-82 win over Mars Hill in front of a sold-out crowd in the Weisiger Center.

Under the tutelage of Saunders, the Valkyries won six games their first season and five conference matches. Converse finished 11^th overall in the Conference Carolinas standings this season, finishing ahead of North Greenville and Erskine.

Three different players earned Conference Carolinas Defensive Player of the Week accolades this season. As a whole the team ranked 31^st nationally in three-point field goal attempts (776) and ranked 12^th nationally in fewest personal fouls per game (13.7). Earl Burgess III ranked 41^st nationally in blocked shots per game (1.53) and 29^th nationally in total blocks (46).

A national search for the next head coach of the Converse men's basketball program is underway.

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