BY GENEVRA PITTMAN and TARIQ FISCHER

In print | Published January 27, 2005

Women’s soccer Head Coach Amy Brunner recently announced her resignation after six years with the program. Brunner cited the desire to pursue other opportunities. “I’m just kind of burnt out,” she said. “It’s time to move on to new things.”

“Coaching was something I got into right out of college,” Brunner continued. “I think it’s time for a change.”

In her six years at Swarthmore, Brunner’s teams met with some success, including a 2002 campaign that set school records for most overall wins and most conference wins, as the Tide stormed to a 10-9 overall record with a 5-5 record in the Centennial Conference. Recent seasons have been marked by disappointment, however. The women limped to a 4-13-1 record this season, finishing ninth in conference play with a 2-7-1 record.

As a student, Brunner was a standout goalie at Bates, receiving both All-American accolades and the National Keeper of the Year award.

Over her six-year stint as a coach at Swarthmore, she amassed a 48-75-1 record.

“I personally think [Brunner] brought a lot to the program with recruiting and she always had a positive attitude,” forward Katie Stockhammer ‘05 said."I think it’s a good change for the girls, but I think she did a good job while she was here."

Athletics Director Adam Hertz praised the job Brunner did in improving the team. “They’ve come a long way since she took over,” Hertz said. “We value the effort she’s made and we’ll miss her.” Brunner expects to stay at Swarthmore until the end of the semester, continuing spring training and recruiting for the Tide.

In the mean time, Hertz intends to begin the search for a new coach after spring break. Sports Information Director Mark Duzenski explained the hiring process to the best of his knowledge.

“We’ll advertise the position, take in résumés, form a committee, and select candidates to interview,” he said.

When Brunner finally moves on from Swarthmore, she is confident that the team will continue to excel in her absence. “The season wasn’t as positive last year,” Brunner said. “Now I feel like I’m leaving on good terms.”

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