Nov. 15, 2002

WACO, Texas - Baylor women's soccer coach Nick Cowell announced his resignation Friday, citing a desire to seek other opportunities.

"It is with regret that I have decided to resign from my position as head coach at Baylor University," Cowell said. "I have had a very positive experience representing Baylor and leave with many happy memories of the people and players that I have worked with.

"I am proud of the fact that over the last four years we have winning records against most Big 12 schools. I am also proud of the academic achievements of our student-athletes, which has been second-to-none. I would like to extend my warmest gratitude to Pat Saiz, our Academic Advisor, for all the hard work that she has put in on behalf of the women's soccer players. I would also like to thank my assistant coaches, Rj. Anderson, Courtney Petrie and Rich Stoneman. They are a tremendously knowledgeable and enthusiastic group who will be successful in future endeavors.

"Baylor has been a wonderfully enlightening experience and I wish the program every success in the future."

"Nick has been a valuable asset to our athletic program," Athletic Director Tom Stanton said. "I'm grateful for the work he's done while at Baylor and I know that he will find success in whatever path he chooses to pursue."

Cowell led the Bears to one NCAA appearance in his four seasons at Baylor, compiling a 40-32-6 record at the helm of the Bears. Under his guidance, Baylor produced 10 All-Big 12 players and 31 Academic All-Big 12 selections.

After a 6-1 start to the 2002 season, the Bears struggled to the end and finished with an 8-9-2 record, highlighted by a 1-1 double-overtime tie that handed eventual Big 12 champ Texas A&M its only non-win of the conference season.

Cowell came to Baylor after eight seasons as head coach at Trinity, where he led his team to seven-straight conference titles and was named conference coach of the year five times.