After leading the Macalester College women's basketball program to two Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) playoff appearances in nine years, Ellen Thompson has resigned her post as head coach, Director of Athletics Kim Chandler announced Thursday.
 
"Thompson has provided strong leadership for our women's basketball program for the last nine years," said Chandler. "I am appreciative for her contributions to the team, our department and to the college."
 
Thompson joined the Macalester athletics staff in 2005 and was charged with rebuilding the women's basketball program. During her first MIAC season in 2006-07, the Scots dramatically improved to a 5-17 record in conference play earning Thompson MIAC Coach-of-the-Year honors.
 
Following the 2006-07 season, the Scots continued to climb the conference ladder before placing fourth in MIAC standings with a 16-6 record in 2009-10 to qualify for the MIAC playoffs. The following season, Thompson again led the Scots to the conference tournament as the sixth-seed after going 10-12 in the regular season. Thompson garnered her second Coach-of-the-Year award in 2010-11 for coaching the Scots to two-consecutive playoff appearances.
 
During her time at Macalester, Thompson's players earned six All-MIAC honors including Trina PaStarr who was a three-time selection. In 2011-12, All-MIAC pick Holly Schiedermayer also led the MIAC in rebounding average under Thompson's leadership.
 
A nationwide search for Thompson's replacement will begin immediately.