AMERICUS, Ga. -- Warren Russ announced his resignation Tuesday as head men's soccer coach at Georgia Southwestern State University to pursue other professional opportunities. Hired in August 2007, Russ has been at the helm for Georgia Southwestern in all but three years of the program's existence.

"I would like to thank the GSW community for all their support these last 12 years," Russ said. "They have not just been my colleagues, they have been my friends. Most importantly, I would like to thank the student-athletes that I have had the pleasure to work with over the years. They have given so much to our program and I couldn't be prouder to have coached them or be prouder of the manner in which they have represented the University as student-athletes, and continue to do so as alumni. I will always follow the future of Georgia Southwestern on the field and off, and I wish everyone nothing but the best."

GSW soccer has been honored as one of the Peach Belt Conference's most academically recognized programs. During the Russ era, a Hurricane has been elected to a Peach Belt All-Academic team in every season and a total of 62 Hurricane players have received conference accolades, including All-Academic, All-Conference and weekly awards.

"I would like to thank Coach Russ for all of his hard work and dedication in moving our men's soccer program forward," GSW Director of Athletics Mike Leeder said. "I have enjoyed having the opportunity to work with him the past 12 years, and I certainly wish him the best in his future endeavors."

A nationwide search for the next head coach will begin immediately.