CHICAGO -- Aaron Roussell, who has served as the University of Chicago's head women's basketball coach the past eight seasons, has resigned to accept the same position at Division I Bucknell University.

A two-time WBCA Central Region and three-time University Athletic Association Coach of the Year, Roussell leaves Chicago as the most successful women's basketball coach in the program's 41-year history.

During his eight-year tenure, Roussell led the Maroons to the NCAA Division III tournament on four occasions, including an Elite Eight appearance in 2011 and trips to the Sweet Sixteen in 2008 and 2010. He also guided the Maroons to three UAA championships in the last five seasons, with back-to-back 14-0 finishes in 2011 and 2012. Roussell posted an overall record of 161-50 (.763) and a UAA mark of 80-32 (.714).

"Coach Roussell's departure is Chicago's loss and Bucknell's gain," said Director of Athletics Tom Weingartner. "He has been a superb coach, wonderful department citizen, and great colleague. He helped build Chicago's women's basketball program to national prominence and we wish him, Molly, and Riley all the very best in what is a great opportunity for him and his family."

This past year, Chicago was one of only four NCAA Division III teams to finish the regular season undefeated (25-0). In the process, the Maroons extended their regular season winning streak to 43 games -- the longest active streak in Division III heading into the 2012-13 campaign.

Earning the opportunity to host both the NCAA regionals and sectionals, Chicago advanced to the 2012 Division III Sweet Sixteen for the third time since 2008. The Maroons finished the year 27-1, giving them a 52-5 mark over the past two campaigns.

Roussell's teams have been included in the USA Today/ESPN and D3hoops.com national rankings each of the past seven seasons. The Maroons spent a week at #1 in 2006-07, occupied the #2 slot throughout the 2011-12 campaign, and ranked as high as #5 in 2010-11.

Since his arrival in 2004, Roussell has notched three 20-win seasons and finished with at least 16 victories every year. Under his watch, Chicago teams have posted a higher winning percentage than the previous year seven times in the past eight campaigns.

Chicago will begin a national search for Roussell's successor.