Following four seasons at the helm of the Benedictine University women's basketball program, head coach Kristen Gillespie has announced her resignation to accept the position of head coach at NCAA Division II Lewis University.

"Words cannot express my love for Benedictine University," Gillespie said. "Over the past four years I was extremely fortunate to work for and with some of the most outstanding people in athletics. I want to thank Mark McHorney and Marco Masini for giving me the opportunity to coach at Benedictine. I also wish to thank all of the young women that I have had the opportunity to coach who made this experience rewarding. I will always treasure my time at Benedictine."

Gillespie joined Benedictine for the 2011-12 season as a first time head coach following an extensive tenure as a Division I assistant. The women's basketball program increased in numbers and took steps forward each year in the conference, reaching the conference tournament all four seasons.

Benedictine reached the 2015 Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Championship after finishing with an 18-10 record including a 16-4 mark in conference play. The 18 wins this past season marked the second most in program history since joining the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference in 2006-07. Three players were named all-conference following the 2014-15 campaign.

"I am extremely grateful for the contributions coach Gillespie has provided to the women's basketball (program)," Director of Athletics Mark McHorney said. "Her impact has helped mold the lives of our student-athletes and I wish her the best moving forward with a new challenge."

Gillespie leaves Benedictine with a career record of 54-53 with a 45-29 mark in conference action.

A national search is underway for the next leader of the women's basketball program.

GILLESPIE'S COACHING RECORD