Women’s basketball head coach Terri Mitchell will not return next season, Interim Vice President and Director of Athletics Bill Cords announced Wednesday night.

“Over the course of the past 23 years Coach Mitchell has had a very positive and lasting impact on the Marquette women’s basketball program,” Cords said. “She, her staff and players has built a strong, solid foundation for those who will follow and continue to grow and strengthen the program.”

Mitchell leaves after 18 years at the helm with an overall record of 348-215 and 15 postseason appearances. Her biggest success was winning the 2008 National Invitation Tournament Championship.

“I would like to thank Father Wild, Bill Cords and the University for allowing me to be a part of the Marquette Community for the past 23 years,” Mitchell said. “In my 18 years as head coach, I have been privileged to work with amazing coaches and staff. I have been most blessed to coach unbelievable women that have impacted my life. I will cherish those relationships forever and am looking forward to beginning the next chapter of my life.”

A search for Mitchell’s replacement will begin immediately. Mitchell steps down as the university’s second-highest paid employee behind former men’s basketball coach Buzz Williams as of 2012. That year, she made $435, 953.

“Terri has been a valued member of the Marquette family for the past 23 years, including 18 years as head coach of our women’s basketball team,” said Interim University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild.  “Throughout her tenure, Terri embodied our Jesuit, Catholic values with her commitment to service and her emphasis on developing young women of character both on and off the court.  We wish Terri all the best and we know she’ll continue to be successful far into the future.”