Columbia, MD - Coach Kate Seagroves, a name held in reverence for the local women's soccer community, has stepped down as the head coach of the Howard Community College women's soccer team after 23 years of unparalleled success.

"It was an extremely difficult decision to step down from coaching after 23 years and a lot of success," said Seagroves. "However, I cannot deny the relationships that have been created, the memories that will last forever, and the connections I have made in the soccer community. All of these things have been a blessing. I've gotten opportunities to meet amazing players and coaches from all over the world through my experience with Howard Community College women's soccer."

Seagroves started at Howard CC in 1999, taking over the women's soccer team as the head coach. Since then she has led the program to an incredible seven national tournament appearances, nine regional championships, five district championships, and two conference championships. She has personally mentored 21 NJCAA All-Americans, nine USC All-Americans, seven USC Scholar All-Americans, and two NJCAA women's soccer hall of fame athletes.

"Coach Seagroves ran a highly respected women's soccer program for over two decades at Howard Community College," said director of athletics Mike Smelkinson. "Her impact on the department and the soccer community will forever be remembered on this campus."

Infamous around the league for both her friendly demeanor as well as a fiery spirit on the pitch, Seagroves was able to befriend and berate referees in a short span of time. A player's coach, Seagroves always went the extra mile for her players and treated her student-athletes with respect and friendship. 

The women's soccer team will be helmed by Seagroves' long time assistant coach Shannon Riley in the interim.