BOAZ, Ala. – Craig Roden, head coach of the Snead State Women's Basketball team, announced his intentions Thursday, Feb. 22, to retire from coaching at the end of the 2023-24 season.
"I've always heard coaches say, 'When it's time to step away, you'll know.' And now I understand it," said Roden, who turns 68 years old this summer. "It just kind of dawned on me that I've done about all I can do, and I think it's time now to focus on taking better care of myself and get back closer to my home and family in Mississippi.
"This is such a great environment to work in thanks to the support of our president, athletic director, and the community," Roden continued. "The people on Sand Mountain are some of the best. I just appreciate Snead State and the administration for hiring me and giving a 67-year-old the opportunity to coach again. I've enjoyed my time here – doing what we've done and accomplishing what we have."
In his lone season at the helm, Roden has led the squad to a 6-19 regular season record, including a winning record in conference play (6-4) for just the second time in more than 10 years.
"Snead State really appreciates Coach Roden and his willingness to come out of retirement to help revive our women's basketball program," said Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore. "We were fortunate to have someone of his pedigree and experience involved in our program even if it was only for one year. I certainly believe our program is in better shape now than when Coach Roden arrived. Our next coach will have a firm foundation on which to build.
"We wish Coach Roden the very best in his retirement and hope to see him back on campus when he is available. He will always be a part of our Parson Family."
This year, under Roden, the Lady Parsons have earned a bid to compete in the ACCC Women's Division II Basketball Tournament, which will be played Feb. 29-March 1 at Bishop State Community College.
Despite his decision to step away, Roden is committed to finish the job and coach the Lady Parsons through the postseason.
"We're very thankful to Coach Roden for jumping into this position on short notice this past year and really breathing new life into the program," said Snead State Athletic Director Casey Underwood. "In just one season, he coached this group of ladies to a winning record in conference play and will be either a No. 2 or 3 Seed in the ACCC Tournament next week, depending on results around the league Thursday night. And off the court, he's done a tremendous job mentoring and instilling a championship work ethic into these ladies. It is our goal that whoever steps in to follow Coach Roden will continue building on this year's successes."
Roden was hired out of retirement in June 2023 to return as the women's head basketball coach. He previously served as the Lady Parsons head coach from 1980-1984, compiling a 65-34 record. His 1983-84 squad finished the season 22-4 and was ranked 13th nationally.
In 1992-1995, Roden was the Snead State Men's Basketball head coach. He turned around the program from 2-24 to an 11-18 finish in his first year and 13-13 in his second year, which included a trip to the Regional Playoffs.
As Roden hangs up the whistle, he goes out as one of the winningest collegiate coaches in the game.
Over his decades-long career, Roden has amassed a total of 631 victories, including 138 victories in the women's junior college ranks. He also holds the distinction of taking three different Gulf South Conference programs (West Alabama, West Georgia and Delta State) to the NCAA tournament – the only coach on the women's side to accomplish such a feat. Roden is also the second-winningest coach in GSC women's basketball history.