May 1, 2001
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Santa Clara University Women's Cross Country Coach Sandy Sanchez has resigned her position to focus on continuing her education and furthering her teaching career, Director of Athletics Cheryl L. Levick announced today.
Sanchez' resignation will become effective June 15 and the search for a replacement will begin immdiately. Bronco men's cross country coach John Maloney will be appointed interim head coach until a new coach is hired.
"We certainly appreciate the contributions Sandy has made to our women's cross country program," said Levick. "She is a positive and energetic leader and we wish her well in all her future endeavors."
Sanchez came to Santa Clara as an assistant coach in 1997 and became the head coach the next season. In 1999, her squad finished tied for third in the West Coast Conference championships for the best finish in school history. Last season, her team finished just six poitns shy of equalling that mark, despite a squad that had a freshman and four sophomores among its top five runners.
Sanchez trained two of only three Santa Clara women to earn all-WCC honors in Jenny Smokey and Ellie Guy. She is also the only coach in the WCC to have two student-athletes selected freshmen of the year.
