(San Francisco) - Mark Carr has resigned as the head coach of the University of San Francisco women's soccer team, as announced Tuesday by Director of Athletics Scott Sidwell. San Francisco Athletics will begin an immediate national search to find a successor, who will serve as the Dons' fifth head coach as USF prepares for its 27th season on the pitch in 2012.

"I would like to thank Mark for his work and dedication to the women's soccer program over the past five seasons," said Sidwell. "I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.  I am enthusiastic about the opportunities that exist here at the University of San Francisco for our program to become nationally prominent."

"I am truly appreciative of all the opportunities that the University of San Francisco afforded me in my five years at the Hilltop," commented Carr. "We have made progress in my time and I am excited for the future of the USF Women's Soccer program. I want to thank everyone associated with USF during my time including Rev. Stephen A. Privett, S.J., Scott Sidwell, all the administration, support staff, coaches, my assistant coaches and most importantly, the student-athletes, past and present. I wish USF Athletics every success in the future."

During the 2011 season, the Dons 2-5-0 in league play, posting a sixth place finish in the league.