NEWBERG, Ore. -- After seven seasons as the head coach of the George Fox women's lacrosse team, Katie Brand has stepped down from the position.

Brand first joined the George Fox staff after a four-year career at the University of Mary Washington, where she graduated in 2013 with a bachelor's degree in geography. A first-team All-American, two-time All-Region, and three-time All-Conference athlete for the Eagles, she took the Fox women's lacrosse program to new heights.

Under her stewardship, Brand led the team to six consecutive Northwest Conference championships, never losing a conference game while as coach — concluding her tenure with an 89-16 record and 66-0 NWC mark. 

"Katie has been more than just a coach to our women's lacrosse team," George Fox athletic director Adam Puckett said, "For seven years, she has been a mentor, a leader, and an inspiration to everyone who has worked with her. Her dedication, passion, and commitment to our mission have set a standard that will be difficult to match. While we are saddened to see her go, we are incredibly grateful for her time with us and how she has shaped our lacrosse program."

The Bruins qualified for the NCAA Tournament all five seasons that the NWC had an automatic bid to the tournament and won both the inaugural and second conference tournaments to qualify in 2023 and 2024. In her seven seasons, Jennifer Burke was named an IWLCA All-American, 21 athletes were IWLCA All-Region, and 44 were All-NWC.

Brand was recognized by her fellow coaches as the Northwest Conference Coach of the Year four times in her career, with her players winning five NWC Player of the Year honors, two Freshman of the Year awards, and one NWC Woman of the Year honor. 

After her seven years in the Pacific Northwest, Brand will move back to her hometown of Charlottesville, Va. with her husband, Steven, daughter, Eleanor, and additional baby on the way. While unsure if she will continue her coaching career, Brand did leave one additional message to the team, program, and university.

""As I look back on my time at George Fox, I have so much gratitude for all that I have been a part of over the past seven years," Brand said. "I came to George Fox with a hope that I could live out my faith in the realm of athletics and partner with student athletes in a way that promoted growth, relationships, and redemption. What I got to witness and be a part of was more than I could have ever dreamed of or hoped for. 

I want to thank our Athletic Director Adam Puckett for not only taking a chance on a young coach, but for believing in me and supporting our program and myself every step of the way. The way you led your department is both rare and so appreciated.     

To the athletic community at Fox, it has been a privilege to work alongside each of you. Your dedication to your student athletes goes way beyond the wins and loses and has been inspiring to witness the countless hours you put into your programs. I truly believe that I got to work and learn from the best. 

To my staff and everyone that has worked with our players, none of this would have been possible without each of you. Thank you seems to not even scratch the surface. 

Lastly to my players, it has been an honor of a lifetime to do life with each of you. I have learned so much from each of you and can say that you all have changed my life. Thank you for trusting me and for your willingness to live life boldly. I hope that each of you will always remember to lean into everything life has to offer and as you look back on your time at Fox you are proud of all that you have accomplished both on and off the field."  

The search for Brand's replacement will begin immediately.