Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Insell Announces Retirement From Women’s Basketball Program
3/19/2026 9:53:00 AM | Women's Basketball
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Rick Insell, the winningest coach in Middle Tennessee basketball history, announced Thursday that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. Following Insell's retirement, current associate head coach, Matt Insell, will take over the program, continuing the Blue Raiders' tradition of excellence.
A press conference to formally introduce Matt Insell as the eighth head coach in Middle Tennessee women's basketball history will be held on Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m. CT at the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame.
"Coach Insell's extraordinary success on the court is matched only by the relationships he has built and the lives he has influenced along the way," said President Sidney A. McPhee. "On a personal level, I am grateful to call Rick a longtime friend and, on behalf of the university, I thank him for his remarkable contributions and enduring legacy."
In 21 seasons at his alma mater, Insell has led Middle Tennessee to 505 victories, making him the all-time winningest coach in program history, men's or women's. His Blue Raiders have made 21 consecutive postseason appearances, including 12 NCAA Tournament bids, seven WNIT appearances and one WBIT berth. His teams have won 10 conference regular-season championships (six in the Sun Belt, four in Conference USA), 10 conference tournament titles (five in the Sun Belt, five in Conference USA) and reached the conference championship game 13 times. Insell has coached seven All-Americans, five conference players of the year and produced five WNBA Draft picks.
"Rick Insell's impact on our women's basketball program and our university is truly extraordinary," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "When we hired Rick, we knew we were bringing in one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the game, but what he has built here has exceeded even those high expectations. His passion for the game, his commitment to developing young women on and off the court, graduating his student-athletes at a high level, and the championship culture he established have defined our program for nearly two decades. Rick's legacy is measured not only in wins, championships, and national recognition, but also in the countless lives he has influenced through his leadership. He will forever be a part of the fabric of Middle Tennessee athletics, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this university."
Before his time at Middle Tennessee, Insell compiled a 775-148 record over 28 seasons at Shelbyville Central High School, winning 10 TSSAA Class AAA state championships—including consecutive titles multiple times—and earning four national coach of the year honors. He is the only coach in NCAA history to produce three consecutive NCAA scoring champions and the only coach in history to win over 500 games at both the NCAA Division I level and in high school. His career includes more than 1,279 wins thus far.
Insell's Hall of Fame honors include induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2017), the Naismith Hall of Fame Morgan Wootten Award for Lifetime Achievement in High School Girls Basketball (2010), the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2012), and the Conference USA Hall of Fame (Class of 2025), among others.
A native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Insell is married to the former Deb Spry. The couple has three sons: Tom, Kyle, and Matt, and thirteen grandchildren.
Statement from Rick Insell
"First, I want to thank my wife, Deb, for her unwavering support over the past 21 years at Middle Tennessee. She has been with me every step of the way and has made countless sacrifices to help me succeed. I am also grateful to our three sons, Tom, Kyle, and Matt, who have been a constant source of pride and encouragement.
I am honored to have led the Middle Tennessee women's basketball program for over two decades. From our first season together to our 20th consecutive postseason appearance, it has been an incredible journey. I am thankful to our administration, our athletic staff, and the countless assistant coaches who have contributed to the sustained success of this program.
Most importantly, I want to thank the student-athletes I have had the privilege of coaching. They have embodied what it means to compete with integrity, pursue excellence on the court, and excel in the classroom. Each player has left her mark on this program and on me personally.
Finally, I want to thank the Blue Raider Nation for their incredible support over the years. You have made every home game, every trip, and every championship run unforgettable. I look forward to the next chapter of my life, which will include more time with my family, travel, and continuing to cheer for Middle Tennessee athletics. This program will always hold a special place in my heart."
A press conference to formally introduce Matt Insell as the eighth head coach in Middle Tennessee women's basketball history will be held on Tuesday, March 24, at 11 a.m. CT at the Kennon Sports Hall of Fame.
"Coach Insell's extraordinary success on the court is matched only by the relationships he has built and the lives he has influenced along the way," said President Sidney A. McPhee. "On a personal level, I am grateful to call Rick a longtime friend and, on behalf of the university, I thank him for his remarkable contributions and enduring legacy."
In 21 seasons at his alma mater, Insell has led Middle Tennessee to 505 victories, making him the all-time winningest coach in program history, men's or women's. His Blue Raiders have made 21 consecutive postseason appearances, including 12 NCAA Tournament bids, seven WNIT appearances and one WBIT berth. His teams have won 10 conference regular-season championships (six in the Sun Belt, four in Conference USA), 10 conference tournament titles (five in the Sun Belt, five in Conference USA) and reached the conference championship game 13 times. Insell has coached seven All-Americans, five conference players of the year and produced five WNBA Draft picks.
"Rick Insell's impact on our women's basketball program and our university is truly extraordinary," said Director of Athletics Chris Massaro. "When we hired Rick, we knew we were bringing in one of the most respected and accomplished coaches in the game, but what he has built here has exceeded even those high expectations. His passion for the game, his commitment to developing young women on and off the court, graduating his student-athletes at a high level, and the championship culture he established have defined our program for nearly two decades. Rick's legacy is measured not only in wins, championships, and national recognition, but also in the countless lives he has influenced through his leadership. He will forever be a part of the fabric of Middle Tennessee athletics, and we are incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this university."
Before his time at Middle Tennessee, Insell compiled a 775-148 record over 28 seasons at Shelbyville Central High School, winning 10 TSSAA Class AAA state championships—including consecutive titles multiple times—and earning four national coach of the year honors. He is the only coach in NCAA history to produce three consecutive NCAA scoring champions and the only coach in history to win over 500 games at both the NCAA Division I level and in high school. His career includes more than 1,279 wins thus far.
Insell's Hall of Fame honors include induction into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame (2017), the Naismith Hall of Fame Morgan Wootten Award for Lifetime Achievement in High School Girls Basketball (2010), the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame (2012), and the Conference USA Hall of Fame (Class of 2025), among others.
A native of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Insell is married to the former Deb Spry. The couple has three sons: Tom, Kyle, and Matt, and thirteen grandchildren.
Statement from Rick Insell
"First, I want to thank my wife, Deb, for her unwavering support over the past 21 years at Middle Tennessee. She has been with me every step of the way and has made countless sacrifices to help me succeed. I am also grateful to our three sons, Tom, Kyle, and Matt, who have been a constant source of pride and encouragement.
I am honored to have led the Middle Tennessee women's basketball program for over two decades. From our first season together to our 20th consecutive postseason appearance, it has been an incredible journey. I am thankful to our administration, our athletic staff, and the countless assistant coaches who have contributed to the sustained success of this program.
Most importantly, I want to thank the student-athletes I have had the privilege of coaching. They have embodied what it means to compete with integrity, pursue excellence on the court, and excel in the classroom. Each player has left her mark on this program and on me personally.
Finally, I want to thank the Blue Raider Nation for their incredible support over the years. You have made every home game, every trip, and every championship run unforgettable. I look forward to the next chapter of my life, which will include more time with my family, travel, and continuing to cheer for Middle Tennessee athletics. This program will always hold a special place in my heart."
MT Women's Basketball | Together: Episode Twelve | Find a way
Saturday, March 14
MTSU Women's Basketball Postgame Press Conference vs Missouri State on 3/07/26
Saturday, March 07
MT Women's Basketball | Together: Episode Eleven | Visualize Yourself
Friday, March 06
MTSU Women's Basketball Postgame Press Conference vs FIU on 3/05/26
Thursday, March 05
