ASHLAND – Lynn Kennedy has resigned from his post as the head women's basketball coach at Southern Oregon University to accept the same title at Portland State University, ending a 10-year run at SOU that peaked this season with the program's first NAIA tournament win since 1999.

Kennedy will depart for the Big Sky Conference having amassed the second-most coaching victories in Raider history. He went 208-105 since taking over for Kevin Wilson prior to the 2005-06 season, most recently going 27-5 with an appearance in the Sweet 16.

SOU will launch a national search for Kennedy's replacement immediately.

"Lynn re-established SOU women's basketball as a dynamic and successful program on the national stage," SOU Athletic Director Matt Sayre said. "We were lucky to have him as part of our team and wish him continued success with his new one at PSU. They've made a good hire, and it's a great opportunity for Lynn."

After coming to SOU from New Mexico Highlands University, Kennedy didn't need long to revive a program that won four games the season before his arrival.  In his third year, the 2007-08 Raiders went 29-5 and won Cascade Conference regular-season and tournament titles.

That would be the first of SOU's six 20-win campaigns in an eight-year span. This season's Raiders started with nine consecutive wins, went 15-3 in the CCC and were No. 13 in the NAIA Division II postseason poll.

Kennedy's teams developed a reputation for their fast-paced, high-scoring styles. His last three outfits own the top-three spots for total points in the Raider record book, and this year's team also ranked No. 15 in the NAIA in opponents' field-goal percentage.

"It has been an honor to be the head coach at SOU for the past 10 years," Kennedy said. "I have been blessed to work with so many great coaches, trainers and staff members. I want to thank [former] President Elisabeth Zinser and [former athletic director] Dennis Francois for giving me the opportunity, and President Roy Saigo and Matt Sayre for their continued support. The SOU and Ashland community has been amazing.

"Lastly, this could not have been possible without the tremendous student-athletes that I have had the privilege to coach. I am most proud of all the academic and professional accomplishments of our past and current players. From the first day, they have represented SOU with integrity and passion. The future is bright and I'm excited to see the continued growth and next step of the Raider women's basketball program."

Portland State went 4-25 last season. Head coach Sherri Murrell was relieved of her duties with five games remaining, wrapping up with a record of 121-119 in eight years at the helm.