Valdosta, Ga. - After three years at the helm of the Valdosta State Soccer program, Rebecca Nolin announced Tuesday that she is leaving VSU.

After many days of thought and consideration, Nolin made her announcement and expressed the desire to move back closer to the location of her extended family.

"I very much appreciate Coach Nolin's efforts during her time as our women's soccer head coach," said Director of Valdosta State Athletics Herb Reinhard. "Her tenure was highlighted by our Gulf South Conference championship and our first NCAA tournament win. We wish her the best as she moves on to other endeavors."

During her tenure, Nolin led VSU to the first Gulf South Conference Championship in program history when the Blazers upset the top-ranked North Alabama Lions in 2014. The run continued into the NCAA National Playoffs, where VSU defeated Christian Brothers for another first, Valdosta State's first-ever NCAA Tournament victory. The historic season concluded at 12-7-2 overall.

The 2015 and 2016 seasons were rebuilding years for VSU after the graduation of 12 seniors following the 2014 campaign. Nolin's three-year coaching record at the helm of the Blazers was 17-28-10.

Nolin helped groom five All-Gulf South Conference honorees, two All-South Region players, two GSC All-Academic student-athletes, and recognition by the NSCAA in both 2015 and 2016 for the outstanding academic achievements of the program.

"I'd like to thank Herb Reinhard and everyone at Valdosta State for the opportunity to coach at this special university," stated Nolin. "The community has been great to me, and I am very thankful for that."

Valdosta State will begin a national search for Nolin's replacement in the coming weeks.