Nov. 9, 2007

George Van Linder, Baylor University's women's soccer coach the past five seasons, resigned his position Friday afternoon, Director of Athletics Ian McCaw announced.

"I want to express my appreciation to Coach Van Linder for his contributions to the Baylor women's soccer program over the past five years," McCaw said. "He has always represented himself, the soccer program and our university in a first-class manner. We wish him great success in his future endeavors."

Van Linder became Baylor's soccer coach 2003 and compiled a five-year record of 31-52-9, including a 7-10-2 mark in 2007. In 2006, he led Baylor to its first Big 12 Conference Championship appearance in five years. During his Baylor tenure, he coached two All-Big 12 selections, including two-time All-Big 12 goalkeeper Ashley Noah in 2006 and 2007, and 41 Academic All-Big 12 Conference honorees (32 first-team and nine second-teamers).

"I have enjoyed my years at Baylor University and I am very proud of the work we have done," Van Linder said. "Moving forward, this program now has a much stronger foundation and great group of young women to take the next step towards greater success."

Before taking over the Baylor program, Van Linder compiled a 59-21-10 record in four seasons (1999-2002) as head coach at SMU with four consecutive Western Athletic Conference titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances to his credit. He spent three seasons as head coach at Butler University (1996-98) before taking over at SMU.

All-told, Van Linder owns a 12-year head coaching record of 124-99-20.

McCaw gave no timetable for the selection of the new coach, but said the nationwide search would begin immediately.