EMORY, Va. - Linda Schirmeister-Gess has resigned her position as Head Women's Soccer Coach at Emory & Henry College, Director of Athletics Myra Sims announced Wednesday. Schirmeister-Gess, who will continue her duties through the end of November, will assume the role of Director of Development with Strive, formerly known as Sportschallenge Leadership Academy.

"I was very sorry to learn of Linda's resignation because her family leaving is a loss to the entire E&H community," commented Sims. "She has done an outstanding job in changing the culture within the women's soccer program, and has been a great mentor and leader for the young women on the team. She has been a positive and valued colleague within our athletics department as well."

"Her husband, Mike, has been a valuable asset to the Appalachian Center for Civic Engagement and I'm sure they will also feel his loss. However, I am very excited for Linda to have the opportunity she has and know that she'll do great work there as well," Sims added.

Gess, who led E&H for five seasons (2012-16), saw three players named to All-ODAC Teams as Erica Merriman (2013), Willow Hubbard (2013) and Bethany Myer (2014) received all-conference third team recognition. Through four seasons, 39 of her players were named to the ODAC All-Academic Team. Gess departs as the second-winningest coach in program history both overall and against ODAC competition.

"It has been an honor and a privilege being the head coach here for the past five seasons. I have been blessed to be able to work with some incredible young women and within a wonderful department," said Gess. "I have formed so many life-long bonds and will forever be grateful for the opportunity I was given here. I am excited to now be this team's biggest fan and watch them grow and succeed on and off the field."

A national search for Emory & Henry's next Head Women's Soccer Coach will begin immediately.

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-photo courtesy of Joey Gass