ATHENS --- University of Georgia women's soccer coach Patrick Baker has resigned his position citing personal, family, and health concerns according to an announcement Thursday by UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans.  The resignation is effective April 1.

"It is with great sadness that I resign my position as head women's soccer coach at the University of Georgia," said Baker, who came to UGA from Florida State in 2005.  "I have put my heart and soul into this program for the past five years but at present I need to make family and health my highest priority.

"I am most grateful to the University of Georgia, Damon Evans, and (Associate Athletic Director) Craig White for the opportunity to be part of this great institution. I greatly appreciate the hard work and support I have received from my assistant coaches and staff during my time at UGA.  I am also extremely grateful for the dedication of my players who have helped move the soccer program to a national stage.  I hope they understand the difficult but necessary choice I'm making at this time."

Evans said that assistant coach Robin Confer, who came with Baker from Florida State, will serve as interim head coach.

"Coach Baker has done an outstanding job coaching our team and we're disappointed," said Evans.  "However, we are certainly supportive of Patrick and his family and respect his decision."

Baker, 2007 SEC Coach of the Year, posted a record of 66-36-6 as head coach at UGA.  He is the only coach in Georgia history to take three straight teams to the NCAA Tournament (2007, '08, '09).  His 2007 team was the best in school history posting an 18-4-2 mark (8-1-2 in the SEC).   Baker is also the all-time winningest coach at both Georgia and Florida State (80-46-11 in six seasons, 1999-2004).