ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa.— Recently, Elizabethtown College head field hockey coach, Brandy Michael has stepped down from her position after 14 seasons to focus on family.

"I will be stepping down to spend more time with my family," Michael said. "It was a difficult decision, but in the end, family comes first. I have been so blessed to work here all these years. I have gotten to coach some amazing student athletes, who have become family to me. I got to meet so many parents and family members of my players over the years who have become part of our Blue Jay family. I have also had the privilege to work with some wonderful coworkers who have always supported me. I have been surrounded by an awesome coaching staff who I will miss coaching with."

Over the course of 14 seasons with the Blue Jays, Michael has complied a 140-100 overall record. During her time at Etown, Michael has led the Blue Jays to a conference tournament appearance in 11 seasons. In 2016, the Blue Jays earned their first-ever Landmark Conference Championship and then went on to appear in the first round of the NCAA Division III Tournament. That season was Etown 10^th NCAA Tournament appearance and the first since 2006.

"We are greatly appreciative to Coach Michael for her 14 years of service to our field hockey student-athletes and to the College, Elizabethtown College Director of Athletics, Chris Morgan said. "She's been an excellent role model and leader of our field hockey program.  We are grateful for her service and wish her all the best moving forward."

Michael made an immediate impact on the Etown Field Hockey team as the Blue Jays held an overall record above .500 and appeared in the Commonwealth Conference Tournament in her first four seasons. In 2013, Etown spent seven weeks nationally ranked in the Penn Monto/National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) DIII National Coaches Poll. The team was elevated as high as 14^th. Following the 2013 season, Michael earned her first Commonwealth Conference Coach of the Year nod.

The 2014 season marked the Blue Jays first-ever appearance in the Landmark Conference. The following year, Etown reached the conference championship and then in 2016 they were crowed conference champions. Michael earned her second conference Coach of the Year nod but first in the Landmark Conference in 2016. After the 2016 season, the Blue Jays appeared in the Landmark Conference semifinals for the next three consecutive seasons.

"Thank you to my Blue Jay family, I will be forever grateful for all the memories and lifelong friendships. I will always be your biggest fan!"