COLUMBIA, S.C. – Columbia International University Women's Basketball Head Coach Mark Molder has resigned after two seasons to return to his former position as head women's basketball coach at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.

Molder helped guide the Rams through a period of growth during his two-year tenure, highlighted by a significant increase in both overall and conference victories during the 2025-26 season.

"Coach Molder has been a tremendous representative of CIU Athletics during his time with us," said CIU Director of Athletics Stefan Vasiloff. "We are grateful for the impact he made on our student-athletes and women's basketball program, as well as the wisdom and leadership he provided to our athletic staff. We wish Mark, Kandi, and their family nothing but the best as they return to Oklahoma Wesleyan."

The 2025-26 season saw the Rams improve their win totals while freshman Katie Johnson earned Appalachian Athletic Conference All-Freshman Team honors.

"I will be forever grateful for the relationships and experiences enjoyed during my time at CIU," Molder said. "It is an amazing place that truly has God's blessing. I will never be able to thank Stefan and the CIU administration enough for allowing me this opportunity. CIU is one of the premier Christian universities in the country, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of CIU athletics."

Molder came to CIU after a successful coaching career at Oklahoma Wesleyan, where he served in multiple roles, including head women's basketball coach, head men's basketball coach, and athletic director. During his time leading the women's program, he guided the Eagles to two NAIA National Championship Tournament appearances, a conference championship, and coached three NAIA All-Americans. He was also a two-time NCCAA Division I Central Region Coach of the Year and the 2013 MCAC Coach of the Year.

A graduate of Oklahoma Wesleyan, Molder earned both his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science and his MBA from the institution. He and his wife, Kandi, have been married for 28 years and are the parents of twin sons, Grant and Cameron.

CIU Athletics will begin a national search for its next head women's basketball coach immediately.