NEW YORK — Columbia University has opened a national search for a new head volleyball coach. Brie Katz, who served as head coach of the program for the last four seasons, announced her resignation on Thursday to pursue other opportunities.

Katz will remain with the program through the end of February.

"I feel extremely grateful to have worked with such remarkable student-athletes, exceptional coaches and supportive administration for the past 13 years," Katz said. "I want to thank Peter Pilling and M. Dianne Murphy for providing me with the opportunity to lead this program. I also want to thank the Columbia volleyball alumnae, who have been so supportive and committed to building a program we can all be proud of. I care deeply about everyone in the Columbia volleyball family, and wish the current team and future Lions the very best in 2018 and all the years ahead."

"Brie has been an integral part of the Columbia volleyball program for the past 13 years," Campbell Family Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Physical Education Peter Pilling said. "The integrity, passion and leadership Brie brought to our program will be missed."

Katz spent the last 13 seasons on the Columbia staff. She was hired as an assistant coach in August of 2005 and served as the acting head coach during the 2007 season. After spending the next three years as an assistant, Katz was promoted to associate head coach a month after the conclusion of the 2010 season. Three years later, she was named the program's head coach.

Katz coached and recruited 20 All-Ivy League selections in her time at Columbia. Under Katz's direction, Cassie Wes became the first Lion to be named Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year, earning the honors in both 2015 and 2016. Chichi Ikwuazom became the first Lion to be named Ivy League Rookie of the Year in 2016 and went on to win the inaugural Columbia University Female Rookie of the Year Award. In Katz's four seasons as head coach, Columbia had four All-Ivy League First Team and another four Second Team honorees.

Columbia's accomplishments under Katz ranged well beyond individual accolades. Katz coached the Lions to a landmark 2016 season, posting a 14-10 overall record and 9-5 Ivy League mark to finish third in the league standings and tie for the most Ivy League victories in program history. The season included a six-match winning streak from September 16 – Oct. 1, marking the team's longest since setting the program record with nine consecutive victories in September of 2010. The Lions also won their first three Ivy League matches to begin the league season 3-0 for the first time.

The Lions were also consistent performers in the classroom, earning the AVCA Team Academic Award in all four of Katz's head coaching years. Additionally, the Lions earned six Academic All-Ivy League selections, including two-time honorees Anja Malesevic and Cassie Wes.