"This has not been an easy decision and my family and I have prayed about this for sometime," said Carter. "We really feel like this is the right time and this is what God is calling us to do. I can't thank Dr. (Loren) Gresham and Bobby (Martin) enough for the opportunity they gave me back in 2003 to be able to have an impact in the lives of all the young ladies that have stepped through this program."

Carter finishes with a 258-141 career record and 219-83 record at the helm at SNU. The 2003-04 NAIA Coach of the Year led the Storm to the 2004 NAIA National Championship, the 2004 and 2007 Sooner Athletic Conference title and the 2005, 2007 and 2011 SAC Tournament Championships. Carter closes her career at SNU as a three-time Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year (2006-07, 2008-09 & 2010-11). She also led SNU to seven NAIA National Tournaments.

"The past nine years have had plenty of ups and down, but there are so many memories that I will hold dear," said Carter. "Being able to share those memories with my biggest supporter has also been a joy. Having dad (Paul Cloar) along side these past years has eased those times when you're ready to pull your hair out, but has also made those successful times that much better. Heather (McNutt) has also been a huge help and has been a great balance to this staff."

Cloar also announced his retirement just a week ago. 

"What Coach Carter and Coach Cloar have done since being hired here has been nothing short of amazing," said Southern Nazarene's Director of Athletics Bobby Martin. "Their impact goes well beyond wins and losses. Shaping the lives of the many young women who have come through here is easily their biggest testament to who they are as people and will be their lasting legacy. I enjoyed watching Lori grow as a player in the early 90s and loved watching her grow as a coach. Coach Carter and Coach Cloar were one of the top reasons my daughter (Logan) wanted to play here and those two have invested countless hours in developing godly women. They will be greatly missed."

Martin announced that a search for a new women's basketball coach will begin immediately.