CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina head men's soccer coach Elmar Bolowich has resigned his position to become the head coach at Creighton University, North Carolina Director of Athletics Dick Baddour announced Wednesday. Bolowich will officially leave his position as UNC's head coach on Feb. 28.

"Elmar has guided the men's soccer program with class and dignity for 22 years," Director of Athletics Dick Baddour said. "I have the utmost respect for Elmar and wish him and his family the very best. He will always be a Tar Heel."

The head coach at Carolina for 22 years, Bolowich earned 280 victories, including the 2001 National Championship. The Tar Heels have advanced to three consecutive NCAA College Cups and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament in 11 of the last 12 seasons under Bolowich's watch.

"I am proud of the work that I've done at UNC and thank the University for what they were able to provide," Bolowich said. "The hardest part about resigning from this fine institution will be leaving my players. I recruited every single one of them. Several I've coached since they were 14 years old. I have already spoken with the team collectively about this transition."

"My UNC players, both past and present, know that they are special to me and I will carry good memories of my coaching them at Carolina. However, it is now time to move on and the current UNC team will be left in the capable hands of assistant coach Carlos Somoano until the department officially announces my successor," Bolowich said.

Bolowich, the 2010 ACC Coach of the Year, mentored 22 All-America selections, 28 First Team All-ACC honorees and nine MLS SuperDraft First Round picks. Seven former Tar Heels who played under Bolowich have gone on to represent their country as part of the U.S. Men's National Team.

"The most common question I've gotten to this announcement is ' why would you want to leave Carolina to go to Omaha, Nebraska?' My answer is that I'm ready for a new challenge in my life and Creighton has committed itself to making their men's soccer team a national powerhouse. I'd like to help take them there as I have done at Carolina," Bolowich said.
 
"Thank you again to the Carolina family of administrators, coaches, players, parents, and fans, for allowing me to lead an incredible journey with the men's soccer team for the past 22 years," Bolowich said. "I'd like to say a special thank you to the McCaskill family for their contributions to Carolina Soccer and to all of the Friends of Carolina for their generous donations throughout the years. It was their support that gave me tools to help the program achieve greatness."

"While it is hard for me to resign, it is also comforting to know that I am leaving the program while it is at the top in collegiate soccer," Bolowich added.