The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns men's basketball team is looking for a new head coach.

Mike Connolly, head coach of the Pronghorns since the start of the 2002-03 season, resigned his position Monday afternoon after seven seasons of diligent work with the program.

"Anyone that knows Mike knows that basketball and his Pronghorn teams have been his passion," says Executive Director of Athletics, Sandy Slavin. "For the past seven years he has invested considerable time and energy into his team to develop his players as athletes, students and young men. His contributions to the basketball program, the Department of Athletics and the University have taken the program in several good directions and have been appreciated."

In addition to coaching the Pronghorns, Connolly was responsible for building a strong Pronghorn Summer Club program that has supported the development of many young basketball players in southern Alberta. He was also behind the establishment of an annual Basketball Jamboree, connecting many high school athletes to the University of Lethbridge.

Connolly, who came to the University after two seasons as head coach at Medicine Hat College, was very active in the community, sharing his passion for the sport of basketball. His successor will be expected to continue growing these positive connections with the southern Alberta basketball community and enhancing the profile of the Pronghorn program.

Under his leadership, the Pronghorns consistently challenged for the Canada West playoffs but only managed to make the post-season in Connolly's first year, 2002-03. He guided the team to three eight-win seasons during his tenure. In seven seasons at the helm, his teams posted a 44-102 regular season record.

A search for the next Pronghorn men's basketball head coach will begin immediately.