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Joan Bonvicini resigns as coach of Seattle

SEATTLE -- Joan Bonvicini, who became the 17th coach to reach 700 career victories earlier this season, has resigned as head coach of Seattle.

The school announced Bonvicini's decision on Tuesday night. In a prepared statement, Bonvicini thanked Seattle for the opportunity to represent the school and said, "I plan to continue to invest in the lives of young people and to participate in the game I love."

Bonvicini was hired in 2009 and helped lead the school through its transition to Division I. The Redhawks won the WAC regular season title in 2013, and earlier this season Bonvicini reached the 700-win mark in her career with a victory over Chicago State.

Before arriving at Seattle, Bonvicini coached at Arizona and Long Beach State. She led Long Beach State to the Final Four in 1987 and 1988.

The school said Kristen O'Neill Phillips will serve as interim coach while a search takes place.