DALLAS (SMU) – Cathy Casey will be stepping down as head track & field and cross country coach following a successful 18-year stint on the Hilltop, she announced late Saturday.

"After much deliberation with my husband and family, I have decided that this will be my last season at SMU," said Casey. "From conference championships to NCAA All Americans - the memories I have made over the past 18 years have been simply incredible. SMU has been an unbelievable place to be a part of all these years because it is truly a place to excel academically and athletically."

In her time at SMU as head coach (2015-19), assistant coach (2005-2014) and volunteer assistant (2001-2004), Casey played a pivotal role in the Mustangs' rise to national prominence in cross country, winning six conference championships and multiple Conference Coach of the Year honors during her time on the Hilltop. Her distance runners also played key roles in three AAC track & field titles for the Mustangs. Among the many SMU greats coached by Casey during her tenure are Mary Alenbratt, Holly Archer, Klara Bodinson, Silje Fjortoft, Rachel Forish, Caitlin Keen, Lovisa Lindh, Tova Magnusson, Hannah Miller, Svenja Ojstersek, Agnes Sjostrom, Shanoah Souza and Karoline Skatteboe.

Casey was also named the NCAA South Central Regional Coach of the Year in 2009, and led the Mustangs to multiple NCAA appearances. 
 
"Coach Casey has made SMU a championship-caliber distance program," said Director of Athletics Rick Hart. "She has guided our student-athletes to multiple cross country championships, both individually and as a team, and has been a great steward of our track & field program as a whole. We're sad to see her go, but respect her decision and wish her nothing but the best."
 
SMU will now begin a national search for a new leader for the program.