Associate head women’s basketball coach Lindy Hatfield officially announced today that she will be leaving the Howard Payne University women’s basketball program to pursue an opportunity outside of basketball.

After six seasons assisting the Howard Payne University women’s basketball program, Lindy Hatfield will be leaving HPU to pursue an opportunity to work with her family in a new business venture.

“I have been given an opportunity to continue my working career with my family,” said Lindy Hatfield. “This opportunity has made my resignation a very difficult decision as my time at Howard Payne has been so rewarding and extremely influential in my overall growth as a young woman. I have enjoyed working for this University and being part of a very successful program. I feel so blessed to have had this opportunity and am forever grateful to Howard Payne and the Administration.”

As an assistant with the Lady Jacket basketball program, she has a record of 147-28. After joining the HPU coaching staff to start the 2006-2007 season, Hatfield helped lead the Lady Jackets to four American Southwest Conference Championships(2007,2008,2009,2011) and one NCAA III National Championship(2008). She has been a pivotal part of the continuing success of the program as a coach, recruiter and mentor to the young women in the program.

“We certainly hate to see Coach Hatfield leave but do understand,” said Mike Jones, HPU Director of Athletics. “Lindy has been a tremendous part of our women’s basketball program and the Howard Payne University family for the past six year and will be greatly missed. We wish her all the best in her new venture.”