PORT ANGELES — Peninsula College head women’s basketball coach Julie Stewart is stepping down less than three weeks after leading her team to the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges North Division championship.
The move was announced Wednesday by Peninsula College Athletic Director Rick Ross.
“Julie did great things for our program, not just in the win-loss column but by bringing outstanding young women to our campus and being a great role model for those student athletes,” Ross said in a press release.
“I know the decision was difficult for her,” he said.
Julie Stewart was unavailable for comment on Wednesday.
She is the wife of head Peninsula men’s coach Peter Stewart and is quitting to spend more time with their three young children, the press release stated.
“If we have to lose her as a coach, at least we’re still blessed to have her and her children continue to be a part of our college family,” Ross said.
Julie Stewart put together a 34-22 record in two years as head coach. The Pirates won the North Division title on Feb. 26 before going two-and-out at the NWAACC championship tournament the following weekend.
She was named the 2005 North Division Coach of the Year and led the Pirate women to their first-ever division championship.