GREENWOOD, S.C. -- Lander athletics director Jeff May named Kevin Pederson as the Lady Bearcats' new head women's basketball coach Thursday. May said Pederson will take over the Lander program effective immediately. Pederson, whom May calls "one of the outstanding young coaches in the game," has amassed an overall 88-31 record in three and a half seasons at Anderson College and led the Lady Trojans to a 33-3 record and a berth in the NCAA Division II Sweet Sixteen this past season. He was voted the Carolinas-Virginia Athletic Conference (CVAC) Coach of the Year in 2005. "We are extremely pleased Coach Pederson has accepted our offer to lead the Lady Bearcat basketball program," May said. "His record over the past three years at Anderson College has been outstanding." The Lady Trojans, who were ranked No. 1 in the East Region this season, fell to Charleston (W.Va.) in the regional final. Anderson finished the season ranked No. 9 in the country. Pederson, a native of Fairfax, Va., worked five seasons for the Clemson men's basketball program under Rick Barnes and Larry Shyatt before joining Anderson College in 2001 as a volunteer assistant men's basketball coach. In December 2001, he was named the interim women's head coach and led the Lady Trojans to a 13-9 overall record. He followed with records of 17-12 in 2002-03; 25-7 in 2003-04 and 33-3 in 2004-05. Under Pederson's guidance, Anderson won two CVAC tournaments and one CVAC regular-season championship. Anderson, which is known for its fast-paced offense and high pressure defense, led the nation in scoring in 2003-04 with 85 points per game and scored 100 or more points four times. "We gave Kevin a chance and we appreciate what he did for our women's basketball program," said AC athletic director Bobby Beville. "We wish him the best." A nationwide search is underway to replace Pederson. AC officials plan to name a new women's head coach in early June.