ALLENDALE, Mich. – Grand Valley State head women's soccer coach, Jim Conlon, has announced his resignation from the position, effective at the end of the academic year.

In one season at the helm of the Lakers, Conlon guided the program to their seventh NCAA National Championship. The Lakers went 24-1-2, capturing their 15^th straight fall GLIAC regular season championship and earned the one-seed in the Midwest Region, sweeping through the NCAA Tournament to culminate in a double-overtime, golden-goal winner for the national title.
 
"Due to unforeseen mental health circumstances with my family, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to leave Grand Valley State. I've had an amazing experience working at this University and with such outstanding young women, coaches and administrators. I will always cherish the relationships I've made and value the experience and memories from my short time here. This program is special and I am excited to watch it continue to grow into the future and am proud to be a part of its legacy," Conlon said.
 
Under Conlon's tutelage, the Lakers led all of NCAA in shutouts on the season with 18. Cecilia Steinwascher earned United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Year and her fourth straight unanimous first team All-America status. Steinwascher was also named a CoSIDA Academic All-America and is the Honda Award Finalist for soccer. The Lakers had three unanimous All-Americans for the season; Steinwascher, Greta DeLoach and Abby Willerer.
 
"We deeply appreciate what Jim Conlon brought to our program last fall. Arriving four days before the season started, and having it culminate in a national championship speaks volumes about his ability to bring together a team, coach the game of soccer, and approach to building a culture of resiliency," said Director of Athletics Keri Becker. "We are disappointed to be losing him, but respect his decision to place his family above all things."  
 
Grand Valley State will begin an immediate search for the next head coach of the program.