Valparaiso University women's basketball associate head coach Steve Bruce has announced his resignation from the Crusader basketball program.

Bruce has been on the Valpo sidelines since the 1999-2000 season as an assistant coach, before being promoted to his current position in the summer of 2003.

?Seven years ago Keith (Freeman) gave me an opportunity to move on to another life experience of great value. I will be forever grateful. I leave the women's basketball program filled with the richness of being around many, many wonderful people," Bruce said.

Bruce was a member of Valpo's staff that won the Mid-Continent Conference regular season title in 2001-2002, won two Mid-Con Tournament championships, made two NCAA Tournament appearances, and a quarterfinal run in the Women's National Invitation Tournament.

?Coach Bruce was instrumental in helping lead our teams to the success we have had over the last seven years," Valparaiso University head coach Keith Freeman said. ?He is an exceptional coach and I wish him well in his future endeavors."