Cox Leaving WNBA’s Mercury To Become 1st Female A.D. At Collegiate Alma Mater

PHOENIX – Phoenix Mercury chief operating officer Amber Cox has been named the new director of intercollegiate athletics at William Woods University, the school announced Wednesday. At the conclusion of the 2011 WNBA season, Cox will return to her alma mater in Fulton, Mo., and become the first female athletic director in the school’s history. William Woods competes in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and in the American Midwest Conference.

“Leaving the Mercury is one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” Cox said. “The last seven seasons have been extremely rewarding and filled with memories that will last a lifetime, including two incredible championship runs. I’ve been blessed to work for such a first-class organization, filled with incredibly talented people, both on the court and in the front office, and the best fans in all of sports.”

“Amber has not only been a big contributor to the success of the Mercury over the past seven years, but in that time she has become a very respected and accomplished sports executive,” Suns President Rick Welts said. “We are thrilled she has been selected by her alma mater for such a key position and know her success will continue there.”

Cox joined the Mercury staff prior to the 2005 season as the director of marketing and was promoted to COO in June 2010. In her most recent roll, Cox oversees all business operations of the Mercury, including ticket and sponsorship revenue, advertising and public and community relations. In her seven seasons, Cox enhanced the overall presentation of the WNBA team by spearheading branding and marketing campaigns that attracted a broader fan base and built upon relationships with loyal supporters.

“Ultimately, my decision to return to William Woods stems from a desire to be closer to my family and this opportunity to return to my alma mater, but no matter where I am I will always be rooting for the Mighty Mercury. I look forward to closing out my tenure with the team this season with a deep run into the playoffs and after that, being a member of the X-Factor for life.”

The search for Cox’s replacement will begin immediately. Welts and Mercury President and General Manager Ann Meyers Drysdale will oversee business operations in the interim.

A Missouri native, Cox earned a communications degree from William Woods with a minor in physical education and completed her Master of Business Administration through the university as well. Cox played basketball for the Owls and was a three-time AMC All-Conference player and was named NAIA Honorable Mention All-American in 1994-95.