Nell Fortner, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, has officially announced her retirement after a remarkable 15-year tenure as a college head coach, including the past six years at Georgia Tech. Fortner’s coaching career has spanned numerous milestones, such as being the first coach and general manager of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever from 1999 to 2003, where she helped lay the foundation for the team. Fortner’s success wasn’t limited to the professional ranks; she also coached the U.S. women’s national team to gold medals at the 1998 World Championships and the 2000 Sydney Olympics, further cementing her legacy in the sport.
Throughout her career, Fortner racked up 272 career wins at the college level and earned Coach of the Year honors across three different conferences. Her leadership at Purdue in 1997 earned her the Big Ten Coach of the Year award, and she went on to achieve similar success at Auburn, where she was named the Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year in 2009. At Georgia Tech, Fortner helped the Yellow Jackets reach the NCAA Tournament twice during her tenure, with the team finishing strong in the 2025 season. This achievement capped off her college coaching career, a journey that saw her build and lead successful programs.
In her statement announcing her retirement, Fortner reflected on her decision to step away from the game after over three decades of coaching. She expressed how difficult it was to leave, especially with the Georgia Tech program in a strong position for future success. Fortner praised the institution and athletic department, calling them “a gold mine,” and she acknowledged the potential for the team to compete for both ACC and national championships in the coming years.
Her retirement comes just two months after Georgia Tech extended her contract through the 2029-30 season, marking a significant moment in her coaching journey. Fortner leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, leadership, and commitment to women’s sports, and her departure will surely be felt by the entire Georgia Tech community. Georgia Tech’s athletic director, J Batt, expressed gratitude for Fortner’s role in shaping the program, calling her an “incredible leader” and an important sounding board during her time at the school.
As Georgia Tech transitions into the post-Fortner era, assistant coach LaSondra Barrett has been named interim head coach. The search for a permanent replacement will be ongoing, but Fortner’s mark on the program and the sport will continue to resonate. Her influence on women’s basketball, from her days at Purdue to Georgia Tech, remains a testament to her dedication and passion for the game.
