Pearl River Community College head women’s basketball coach Ed Walley resigned his position Tuesday after coaching the Lady Wildcats for the last eight seasons, according to PRCC athletic director Richard Mathis.

Walley submitted his letter of resignation to PRCC president William Lewis late Tuesday.

“I feel like it’s time for me to move on,” said Walley, who took over the program in the fall of 2000. “I’ve had some good years here and I feel like I’ve left the program in better shape than when I got here. It’s been a good eight seasons and I cherish my time here from now on.”

Walley guided the Lady Wildcats to MACJC and Region 23 post season tournament berths in 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 and the regional tournament in 2007-2008. His 2002-2003 squad won the Region 23 championship and a berth in the NJCAA National Tournament held in Salina, Kan. Walley was named the region’s ‘Coach of the Year’ for his efforts that season. His regional title team finished the year with an impressive 25-5 record.

“We hate to see Coach Walley go,” said Lewis. “He’s an outstanding man and coach that truly cares for his players on and off the court. It’s going to be hard to replace a person with his experience and knowledge of the game.”

Walley began his coaching career as an assistant at his alma mater, Mississippi College, in 1969 and high school head coaching stints followed at Magee (1974-77), Sand Hill (1972-74, 1977-86), Forrest County AHS (1986-89), and Petal (1989-2000) before being hired for the PRCC job.

Walley’s career record at Pearl River is 115-94 and he won over 75 percent of his games in 31 years as a high school coach.

Lewis said a search for Walley’s replacement will begin immediately.