Former Vanderbilt star Karen Booker fired as Trevecca women's basketball coach

After leading the Trevecca women's basketball team to an 8-20 record this season, Karen Booker was fired Monday as the Trojans' coach.

Trevecca lost 10 of its last 12 games in her third season at the helm. The Franklin native and former Vanderbilt star player led the Trojans to winning records in 2022-23 (22-10) and 2023-24 (19-12).

Her record at the school was 49-42 overall, 33-29 in the Gulf South Conference.

"I'm thankful that I had the opportunity at Trevecca and I wish them all the best," Booker told The Tennessean.

Booker previously coached at Cal Poly (1995-97) and Sewanee (2001-03). Her career record is now 75-118. She said she will attend the NCAA Women's Final Four in Tampa, Florida, in search of a new job.

"I know God has good things in store for me and I'll be anticipating a good next step," Booker said.

Three of Trevecca's top players from the 2023-24 season — Keeley Carter from Macon County, Lili Wilken from Page and Konnor Gambrell from Alexandria, Virginia — did not return. Carter had averaged 21.1 points and 7.7 rebounds; Wilken averaged 10.4 points and 3.2 rebounds; and Gambrell averaged 12.0 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Carter transferred to Tennessee Tech and helped lead the Golden Eagles to the NCAA tournament.

"There are a lot of components when evaluating the success and direction of our athletic programs," Trevecca athletic director Mark Elliott said in a news release. "While this decision is very difficult, it's important to acknowledge the on-court success that our program had under Karen's leadership. We thank Karen for her contributions to the women's basketball program."

Booker had seven players return from last season; they had 11 starts in 2023-24 combined.

The Trojans started the season 4-6 and won just one of their first eight conference games. They finished in 10th place in the Gulf South.

Reach Mike Organ at 615-259-8021 or on X @MikeOrganWriter.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Karen Booker fired as Trevecca women's basketball coach

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