CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois head women's soccer coach Tim Nowak has announced he is leaving the program to accept a new professional opportunity and his final day as the Panthers women's soccer coach will be Jan. 30.

Nowak recently completed his fourth season as the Panthers head coach guiding the team to a fourth straight appearance in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament. Nowak compiled a 17-11-7 record in conference competition reaching the OVC semi-finals twice and the OVC championship in 2005.

“I have very much enjoyed my time as the head coach at Eastern Illinois. I want to thank the administration for the opportunity to be a part of this university and I also want to thank the team for all of their hard work and dedication to EIU women's soccer,” said Nowak. “This was a difficult decision to make, but one I thought I could not pass up. I will be working with a good colleague of mine in one of the top women's soccer conferences in the country.”

During his tenure at EIU, Nowak was successful in developing players both on the field and in the class room. He coaches seven first team All-OVC performers including 2006 OVC Player of the Year Kellie Floyd. He had five players earn Academic All-District honors with Meghan Ryon earning Academic All-America accolades in 2007. All four seasons the Panthers were recognized as a top academic team by the NSCAA which honors teams with a GPA over 3.0.

“Eastern Illinois appreciates the years of service Tim (Nowak) has given to the Panther women's soccer program,” stated EIU director of athletics Barbara Burke. “We understand this is a good career opportunity and wish him the best of luck.”

Burke added that a national search for Nowak's replacement will begin immediately.