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Florida State women’s basketball head coach Sue Semrau announced this afternoon that she will be taking a leave of absence from her head coaching duties for the 2020-2021 basketball season. Coach Sue will leave the team in the capable hands of Associate Head Coach Brooke Wyckoff. Semrau expects to resume her day to day head coaching duties after the season in April of 2021.
In her announcement letter Semrau explains that the reason for the decision to step away is related to her need to care for her family. Semrau will also forgo her salary for this season.
Associate head coach Wyckoff is a Florida State alumnus (2001) who played in the WNBA from 2001-2009 after being drafted in the second round (26th overall) by the Orlando Miracle. Since returning to Tallahassee, Wyckoff has been a valuable part of the staff including being a strong recruiter creating a pipeline to Tallahassee from her native Ohio as well as leveraging her many international contacts to bring players to Florida State.
“She has been a stellar assistant for 10 years, is an FSU Alumna and truly understands the heartbeat of our program,” Semrau said about Wyckoff. “I am confident in her and our staff. I believe she will maintain the high level of excellence this season that we’ve come to expect at FSU.”
Florida State is coming off of a successful season that ended prematurely due to the pandemic after a run to the ACC Tournament Final game. The Seminoles have also recently compiled a recruiting class that will likely be ranked in the top 20 nationally.
“Sue Semrau is one of the finest coaches in the country, and we completely support the decision she has made,” said Coburn. “We are given a great responsibility in intercollegiate athletics to nurture the growth of our student-athletes not only in their athletic careers, but in their academic endeavors and personal life. Our coaches constantly talk to our student-athletes about properly aligning their personal priorities, and Sue is giving all Seminoles the ultimate example of what that means.”
“I want to express my appreciation to FSU and David Coburn for understanding and accommodating this personal request,” said Semrau. “I am also thankful and blessed by the attitude of our players and staff. Many coaches talk of their team as a family; ours proves it and I’m very grateful.”