Brett Adams, the only head coach in the 17-year history of the men's basketball program at Stevenson, has announced his resignation in order to focus on his responsibilities as Director of Athletics for the University's emerging 23-sport athletics department.

"Basketball in the CAC demands a coach that can put full-time hours, and more, towards winning a conference championship," said Adams. "For that reason, I will be stepping down as the head men's basketball coach and plan on doing a national search for my successor. I will be here as athletic director building the department into a national contender while still supporting this rising basketball program."

In 17 seasons as the head men's basketball coach, Adams coached in 433 games, totaling two appearances in the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Championship, two NEAC South Division titles and the 2007 NEAC tournament championship. He picked up his 100th career victory on Dec. 2, 2006 with a 95-60 victory over Bard and in 2005, led the Mustangs to the inaugural Pride of Maryland Championship.

Adams also mentored seven all-conference selections, including two in the CAC, as well as the 2005 and 2006 NEAC Player of the Year. He led the Mustangs to back-to-back 20-win seasons in 2005-06 and 2006-07 as the team made two-straight appearances in the NCAA tournament. He also guided the team to an 18-10 record in 2004-05.

"We have a great group of players and a fantastic recruiting class," said Adams. "This will be the third great recruiting class in a row. I want to provide them with a coach that will be able to give them the time necessary to get us back to the NCAA tournament. I believe in this young team and I want the very best for them."

As Director of Athletics, Adams began intercollegiate athletics at Stevenson, then Villa Julie College during the 1994-95 academic year. Since that time, he has overseen the school's membership at the NCAA Division III level as well as the NEAC and its transition to the CAC.

Adams has been instrumental in the University's expansion from nine sports in 1994-95 to a record 23 in 2010-11, including football, track and field and women's ice hockey.

"Stevenson University as well as our athletic department is transforming at a historic pace," said Adams. "The opportunity that is in front us is unprecedented. Our President, Dr. Kevin Manning, and my direct supervisor, CFO Tim Campbell, have been supportive of me and are the reasons for the tremendous growth in the athletic department."

In addition, Adams has also orchestrated the construction of two gymnasiums, included the new 38,000-square foot, 1,500-seat Owings Mills Gymnasium which opened this year and the new multi-million dollar, 3,500-seat Stevenson Stadium which will open in September 2011.

"The goal in the next ten years is to be a national leader in Division III athletics," said Adams. "I am eager to lead this charge and to have men's basketball parallel this success."

A 1989 graduate of York (Pa.), Adams came to Stevenson after spending five seasons as an assistant men's basketball coach for the Spartans from 1989-94. He also served as head women's tennis coach, earning CAC Coach of the Year honors in 1994.

Adams and his wife, Linda, a 1981 graduate of Stevenson, live in Timonium and have one daughter, Emma Rose.

"My wife and my daughter are equally supportive of this decision," said Adams. "They know I have a passion for basketball, but they also know my love of Stevenson University and sense where we are headed."

The search for a new men's basketball coach will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.