Date Posted: 6/6/2008

FORT MYERS, Fla. - FGCU Director of Athletics, Carl McAloose has announced that Chris Highfield, who served the past six seasons as Assistant Men's Basketball Coach and Head Men's and Women's Cross Country Coach has resigned his dual posts to pursue other professional opportunities. Highfield, who has been at FGCU for the last seven years, will remain at FGCU until July 1.

"Chris has done an outstanding job for us and will be greatly missed," said McAloose. "He was an extremely valuable addition to our athletics department's staff in our early years and has done a great job wearing several hats during his time with us. I know he will be very successful in all of his future endeavors."

On the hardwood, Highfield has played an integral role in the overall development of the men's basketball program, as he has served as Head Coach Dave Balza's right hand man since the inception of the program. Highfield has helped the Eagles compile an overall record of 124-60 in six seasons, having averaged 20 wins per year. During his tenure the Eagles posted a 22-5 record in 2003-2004, climbing as high as the No. 5 ranking in the NABC/Division II Top 25 poll in late January. The following 2004-2005 season the Eagles played their way to a 24-7 overall record, capturing the programs first, and to date only, NCAA II tournament appearance. Additionally, during the 2006-2007 campaign, the Eagles posted a 27-6 overall record, which still stands as the most wins in a season in the program's short history. This season the Eagles concluded their first year of Division I competition and finished in eighth place within the Atlantic Sun Conference.

In addition, Highfield has served as the only coach for the FGCU cross country programs, which he built both from scratch, creating and developing every aspect of the Eagles men's and women's programs.

Related Links:
 • Full Article at FGCUAthletics.com