The Western Michigan women's basketball program is saddened to announce the passing of former head coach Ron Stewart.

Stewart, 72, spent 11 seasons at the helm from 1997-2008, posting a 159-69 overall record and a 101-77 record in MAC play. With the Broncos his teams made once NCAA Tournament appearance after winning the MAC in 2003 and three appearances in the WNIT, including reaching the Elite Eight in 2004. Nineteen student-athletes were named All-Mid-American Conference during his tenure, with Carrie Moore winning MAC Player of the Year in 2006-07 and Casey Rost winning it in 2003-04. Kristin Koetsier, Rost and Moore all went on to be inducted into the Western Michigan Hall of Fame.

Stewart later went on to be an assistant coach at the University of Nevada, helping them to some of the best seasons in program history.

"Having competed against Coach Stewart at a rival institution for many years, you always knew it would be a fierce competition when you played his teams," said current WMU head coach Shane Clipfell. "I've been privy to many stories of the love and respect his players had for him. Our coaching profession lost a great coach, mentor and ambassador for women's basketball. Our prayers are with his family during this time."