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SEATTLE (Dec. 23, 2002) - Bobby Bruch, who guided Seattle Pacific University from its infancy to a conference championship in its second season, has announced his resignation as head coach of women's soccer.

Tom Box, athletic director, accepted the resignation but said he was particularly grateful for Bruch's tireless efforts on behalf of the fledgling program. Box said the search for a new head coach will begin immediately. He plans to meet with the players Jan. 8, once they have returned from the holiday break.

"It has been a supreme pleasure for me to coach this team, starting it from scratch," said Bruch, who was hired 10 months prior to the first season and finished with a record of 21-14-3. "I am deeply thankful to President Eaton and the athletic department's for their confidence in me.

"I will miss the team-all the players who so proudly wore our jersey-as well as their parents, the staff and the people with whom I developed such great friendships," said Bruch.

"Coming back to SPU and coaching with Cliff (McCrath, longtime men's coach) helped me to realize that I love coaching on both the men's and women's sides, and I would like to explore other coaching opportunities on the pro and college level. That's why I chose to resign at this time."

Bruch was voted the Great Northwest Athletic Conference coach of the year this past season as the Falcons won their final nine games and went unbeaten in the last 11 en route to the GNAC championship and a record of 13-4-2. Of the 24 players on the squad, 23 are eligible to return in 2003. Twenty-two are sophomores and freshmen.

Bruch, a Bellevue native and Newport High School graduate, played for Seattle Pacific from 1984-87. He was a starting midfielder on the NCAA championship teams of 1985 and '86. Bruch played professionally for indoor and outdoor teams in Seattle and the Los Angeles area.

His coaching career began in Southern California with girls high school teams. He later became coach of the West Coast F.C. Shamrocks in Mission Viejo. In 1996 the Shamrocks were the national runners-up and in 1998 the under-19 club claimed the national title, the J. Ross Stewart Cup. Bruch returned to his college alma mater in 2000 as assistant coach to McCrath for the men's program.

Box said assistant coach Julie Cain will coordinate team activities until a new coach is selected. Box plans to consult Cain, McCrath and the rest of the men's and women's coaching staffs during the search process.