Alabama fires Stephany Smith as women's basketball coach

3/11/2008 4:17 PM

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -Alabama women's basketball coach Stephany Smith was fired Tuesday after the Crimson Tide finished 1-14 in the Southeastern Conference.

In three seasons, Smith was 27-61 overall and 4-41 in the SEC.

``I appreciate her efforts, as well as those of her staff,'' Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said. ``However, I feel it is best that the program move forward under new leadership in order to compete consistently at the very highest level.''

Before coming to Alabama, Smith was 153-88 at Middle Tennessee.