LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Louisville Women's Basketball Associate Head Coach Stephanie Norman is stepping away from her role after 18 years with the program, she announced on social media. 

"This has never just been a job," Norman said in a statement on X. "It has been my life, my purpose, my home. I have watched our young women grow not just as athletes but as leaders, teammates and people of character. I have celebrated victories with them, felt the sting of tough losses and shared in the moments that make this journey so special — the locker-room speeches, the hugs after hard-fought battles and the overwhelming roar of Card Nation standing behind us every step of the way!"

"To the players, past and present — you are my greatest legacy. Watching you succeed on and off the court has been pure joy. To Coach Walz, the entire staff and administrators — thank you for your unwavering dedication, friendship and belief in me. To the fans — your passion, loyalty and love for this team are what make this place so special."

Norman is an Oregon native and 1989 alumna of Arizona State. She came to the Cardinals in 2007 with head coach Jeff Walz after stops as an assistant coach at Oregon (1992-99), Oregon State (2000-02) and Vanderbilt (2002-07). She and Walz guided the team to Final Four appearances in 2009, 2013, 2018 and 2022, including appearances in the 2009 and 2013 National Championship games. 

Under her and Walz's leadership, Louisville also advanced to the Elite Eight eight times — including a five-season run from 2018 through 2023 — and the Sweet 16 12 times. The Cardinals went 487-146 during her 18 seasons at the helm, including a 214-68 record in the Big East, AAC and ACC combined. She also helped the team produce a program-best 36-3 record in 2017-18, when they opened the season with a 20-0 record, the longest winning streak in program history. 

Norman was named the 2020-21 Women's Basketball Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year and named to the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame Class of 2024. 

"After 18 incredible seasons side by side, it’s hard to put into words what Stephanie Norman has meant to me, this program and our players," Walz said in an Instagram post. "Her loyalty, wisdom and heart helped build Louisville Women’s Basketball into what it is today. Wishing her nothing but the best on her next chapter — forever grateful."

Louisville finished the 2024-25 season 22-11, including a 13-5 record in ACC play. The No. 7-seeded Cardinals beat No. 10 Nebraska in the first round of the NCAA Tournament 63-58 before falling to No. 2-seeded TCU 85-70 in the second round.