Aug. 4, 2006

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Cindy Timchal announced today that she will leave the University of Maryland to become the first-ever head coach for women's lacrosse at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Timchal spent 16 seasons with the Terrapins between 1991 and 2006, putting the Terrapins in the NCAA Tournament in each of those years. Maryland won seven straight NCAA Championships between 1995 and 2001, also winning the title in 1992.

"Cindy is a marvelous teacher, coach and person," said Maryland director of athletics Deborah A. Yow. "It has been a pleasure to have her on staff as one of our most accomplished coaches. She will always be welcome at Maryland, and we wish her the very best in her new and exciting professional challenge."

Timchal compiled a record of 260-45 while at Maryland and is 336-86 in 25 seasons overall as a head coach, with the first nine spent at Northwestern University. The Terps were 12-8 overall in 2006 and reached the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Associate athletics director Randy Eaton, Maryland's sport supervisor for women's lacrosse, said a national search would begin immediately for Timchal's successor.

"We want to thank Cindy for 16 wonderful seasons and an unprecedented eight NCAA titles," said Eaton. "She set the bar to a level that may never be equaled in this sport. We are committed to continuing the tradition of success established by Cindy and will work hard to attract and hire a top-quality coach for our student-athletes and our program at Maryland."