Luther athletic director Joe Thompson has announced that after 27 years at the helm of the women’s basketball program, Jane Hildebrand has resigned to accept the school's position of assistant dean for student life.

Hildebrand, the longest tenured coach in the Iowa Conference and the history of Luther women’s basketball, completed her career with a record of 438-260. Her career win total ranks 27th all-time in Division III. The Norse were 7-18 this past season.

She led her teams to seven Iowa Conference championships while posting a record of 293-155. Her teams also made nine appearances in the Division III NCAA Tournament, advancing to the round of 16 twice, and the round of eight twice, most recently in 2007. In 1992, she led the Norse to the Final Four, and returned home with a third place finish. She was named Iowa Conference Coach of the Year five times and coached eight All-Americans, two conference MVPs and 45 all-conference performers.

“I have truly enjoyed my time as the Luther College women’s basketball coach,” stated Hildebrand. “Wow! What a ride! Luther has genuinely transformed me as a person over the past 27 years. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, the many players, parents, alumni, Luther College and the Decorah community, for their support and encouragement during my coaching career. I am excited about the new challenges of my position in student life and look forward to continuing to serve Luther College.”

“On behalf of the Luther College community, I would like to thank Jane for 27 years of outstanding service to the athletic department,” stated Thompson. “She has enjoyed unparalleled success and has positively impacted countless student-athletes. Jane has been a wonderful mentor and has always stressed the importance of positive sportsmanship, integrity, and character development in her student-athletes. Her teams have continually exhibited the characteristics espoused by the NCAA, IIAC, and Luther College. We will miss Jane's leadership in the athletic department and we wish her the best as she moves into her new position in the Student Life Office.”

A national search to replace Hildebrand will begin immediately.