Mark Katarski has resigned as the head women’s basketball coach at Chatham to accept a position as an assistant women’s basketball coach at Division I Niagara. A nationwide search will begin to fill the position.

Katarski led Chatham for six seasons, finishing his tenure with four consecutive double-digit victory seasons. On two occasions his teams advanced to the semifinals of their conference tournament, including the school’s first PAC playoff victory in any sport in 2010.

He inherited a team that had lost 20 of its previous 21 games and went 55-102 over his six seasons.

Off the court, Katarski spearheaded the award-winning “Purple Reign” campaign, donating money to the American Cancer Society and Coaches vs. Cancer, as well as service projects with the Children’s Institute and the Women’s Shelter and Center of Pittsburgh.

“Coach Katarski’s departure is bitter sweet. We will miss his dedication and leadership; however, we also could not be happier for him. We wish him only the very best,” said dean of students and vice president for student affairs Zauyah Waite.