Rod Garcia Steps Down as Women's Soccer Head Coach

"This is the perfect time to focus on my family and my health," said Garcia. "My family and I moved to Orange County before the season started. I would drive up early on game days and drive back home. I drove nearly 5,000 miles back and forth this season."

On top of driving hundreds of mile each week for practices and games, Garcia showed his dedication to players on and off the field. "One thing is for sure, Rod cares about his student-athletes as individuals. We will miss him dearly for that," said Kim Ensing, Hancock's athletic director. "He may not rattle off statistics, but he knows how each player is doing personally and will do what he can to help them succeed."

Over seven seasons, Garcia won 20 games overall. He said his proudest moment with the Bulldogs was the 2011 team that bounced back from a winless season with a 10 win season and a winning record.

"I will always remember the great support staff within Hancock's athletic department. I am proud to have been a part of the Bulldog family for the last seven years," he added.

Garcia plans to focus his free time on helping raise his granddaughter, and writing a novel he started years ago. "The book is based on a true story and it is spiritual in nature. It's perfect for a blockbuster movie," he said.

The search for his replacement is under way.