Ryan Moody knew he eventually wanted to lead a men's college basketball program.
"I got into the coaching business 15 years ago with the goal of becoming a head coach," said Moody, who spent the past five seasons as a UND men's assistant. "And I got my shot. And what better place to become a head coach than at your alma mater."
Moody was named the new coach at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., on Tuesday. He played at the NAIA Division I school from 1992-96.
"It was an opportunity that I couldn't turn down," Moody said. "There is something about getting a chance to get your first head coaching job at your alma mater."
Moody came to UND with Sioux head coach Brian Jones five years ago. He's help lead a program that is going through the Division I transition process. The Sioux finished this past season 19-15, winning the Great West Conference postseason tournament and advancing to the CollegeInsider.com tournament where they lost to Air Force in the first round.
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"I'm really happy with what we accomplished here," Moody said.
Benedictine, which plays in the Heart of America Conference, finished 16-16 last season. Moody will take over for Todd Eisner.
"It's a great place to have your first job," Moody said. "They want to win and the commitment is there."
The private college didn't spend a lot of time searching for a coach.
"It happened real fast," Moody said.
Moody is expected to leave for Atchison today.
"I'm leaving with a heavy heart because I'm really excited with what's happening here," Moody said.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send e-mail to wnelson@gfherald.com .
