Oct. 2, 2006

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis University head women's soccer coach Bill Bruno has resigned, effective immediately, to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Assistant coaches Dave Parker and Liz Skwarczynski will guide the team through the remainder of the 2006 season. A search for Bruno's successor will begin soon.

"It's been an honor and a privilege to work with the fine young adults on this team," Bruno said. "I've enjoyed the five years I spent leading the program.

"We set a goal of qualifying for the GLVC tournament, and unfortunately that hasn't happened yet," Bruno added. "But I believe we've put the program on the right track, and I wish the players and the new coach the very best."

A 2001 Lewis University graduate and four-year member of the Flyer men's soccer team, Bruno began his coaching tenure with the Lewis women in 2001 as an assistant to Mike Crowe. He was named acting head coach in 2002, following Crowe's resignation during the season, and was selected at the conclusion of the season to fill the position permanently.

The women's soccer program made steady progress under Bruno's leadership, increasing its overall and Great Lakes Valley Conference win totals in three consecutive seasons (2003-05). He finished with an 18-54-6 overall mark, including a 2-1 overtime victory over Northern Kentucky in his final game on Sunday.

"Bill took over our women's soccer program during a difficult time and did a good job of steering it back to stability," Lewis Director of Athletics Dan Schumacher said. "We wish him well as he fulfills his dream of becoming a law-enforcement officer."