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UA women's soccer coach stepping down

Amid pressure from her players that included a petition calling for her resignation, UA women's soccer head coach Lisa Fraser quit the team Friday, citing personal reasons.

"We just sat down and talked about the season," Fraser said. "It ended on a positive note (with a win over Oregon State and a tie against Oregon) and I thought it would be best for the team."

Fraser said she resigned solely in hopes of spending more time with her one-year-old son. Bruce Caris, Fraser's assistant coach and husband, also left the UA Friday.

While several players yesterday acknowledged that the petition was circulated, all refused to comment on the situation.

"It is true (of the petitions validity), but I don't want to comment on it," junior defender and captain Kate Nighswander-Will said yesterday. "It never came out, it was never given to anyone. (Athletic Director) Jim Livengood never saw it, coach never saw it.

"I think some players were ready for a change. I think some players are happy, some are sad, some are neutral, I think that is the feeling of the team. I just want her to be happy because I personally like Coach Fraser."

Junior defender Lisa Haralambie said she is "sad" that Fraser and Caris opted to leave the UA.

"It's their personal decision," Haralambie said. "I know that she resigned. It wasn't like she was fired."

Fraser's resignation surprised many players, as they expected the coach to be back next season.

"I am sad to see her go, I am really surprised," junior forward Chrissy Sanford said. "The team is going to have to prove itself to a new coach. It's going to be a new challenge and I will be ready to take it on."

Fraser has been the only coach in the program's six-year history. During her tenure with the Wildcats, Fraser posted a 32-68-6 record overall and was 4-35-2 in Pacific 10 Conference play.

"Lisa was frustrated because she wanted the program to be more successful," Livengood said. "We are very glad to have had her build our program. Lisa and Bruce are great people."

Fraser and Caris are planning on remaining in Tucson, but Fraser said she is not interested in coaching any time soon.

"I'm going to take some time off and work with some of the younger teams in the community," she said.

Assistant coach Andre Luciano has been named interim head coach as the athletic department conducts a national search for a new head coach.