Marcia McDermott, who last season engineered a worst-to-championship turnaround at the helm of the Carolina Courage, abruptly resigned on Friday, citing a desire to pursue other interests.
McDermott declined the WUSA's offer to exercise the option year of her contract.
''It was an extremely hard decision,'' McDermott said in a statement. ''I really enjoyed coaching this team and working with this coaching staff, but the timing is right in my life to step away from coaching. I am grateful to the WUSA and the Carolina Courage for the opportunity to coach at this level. It has been an unbelievable experience to work in this league, and I am proud of what we accomplished.''
McDermott, 37, guided the Courage to a league-worst 6-12-3 record in 2001 but, through savvy signings and a productive draft, rebuild the team into a powerhouse. Carolina went 12-5-4 to win the regular-season title last summer, then beat Washington, 3-2, in Founders Cup II on Aug. 24 in Atlanta.
The former University of North Carolina star and U.S. national team player previously coached at the universities of Virginia and Arkansas and at Northwestern University.
''This is a positive change in my life,'' McDermott continued. ''Coaching soccer has afforded me so many great opportunities to develop. I feel ready for new challenges and opportunities.''
The Courage already has put together a short list of coaching candidates. It includes Susan Ellis, McDermott's assistant, who has been approached about other WUSA job openings.