ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) - The Elmira College Women's Hockey team has been one of the country's top programs for years. the team is now in search of a new Head Coach as Tim Crowley, who has led the Soaring Eagles to many seasons of success, is stepping away.

The Elmira College Athletics Department announced that Crowley's resignation will be effective on August 16th.

After serving as an assistant coach for the EC men's hockey team for four seasons, Crowley was the interim Head Coach of the women's team during the 2016-17 season, then was promoted to the head position where he led the team for 6 years, and became the winningest coach in program history with an overall record of 123-21-10. Last season, Elmira finished 25-4-1 and clinched a trip to the NCAA Division III Frozen Four.  Under Crowley, Elmira made the NCAA Tournament five times along with winning four straight UCHC postseason championships and an NEHC championship.

Elmira College released a statement from Director of Athletics, Rhonda Faunce saying "It's always hard to have a staff member leave the department. In this case, one that is embedded so deeply and has been here for the number of years that Tim has makes it even more difficult. One of the reasons our women's hockey team has been so good in his time here is Tim's meticulous preparation. I wish Tim the best on his new journey and have no doubt his skill set will be put to good use. We have already started the search for our new coaching staff and have no doubt a well-qualified list of candidates will emerge in the next couple of weeks."

Click here for more on the announcement of Tim Crowley stepping down, and a look at his storied career with the Soaring Eagles.