CARROLLTON, Ga. - The University of West Georgia Department of Athletics announced today that Kara Hellmann has resigned her position as the head volleyball coach to pursue other professional opportunities.

"We want to thank Coach Hellmann for her dedication to our student-athletes, as well as her contributions to the department and the broader campus," said Director of Athletics Jason Carmichael.

Taking over the program ahead of the 2021 season, Hellmann guided UWG volleyball through the post-pandemic seasons as well as the elevation to Division I. In five seasons under Hellmann's direction, six Wolves earned All-Conference honors, five earned All-Academic honors and the team made the AVCA Academic Honor Roll every season.

"I am very grateful for my time at the University of West Georgia and am very thankful for this community, athletic department and team that I have gotten to be a part of," said Hellmann. "I have made a deep, personal decision to step away from coaching to pursue other professional opportunities. I truly love this university and look forward to cheering the Wolves on from a different seat in The Coliseum and continuing my support of UWG."

A national search for the program's next head coach will begin immediately, led by Deputy Director of Athletics Karen Allen.

"Our focus now shifts to finding a leader who will join us in our journey towards building sustainable excellence in this important program," stated Carmichael.