Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera has announced that Mike Higdon has submitted his resignation as the head men’s and women’s golf coach at Valparaiso University effective immediately.

“We very much appreciate the effort that Mike put into building our program,” LaBarbera said.  “The significant improvements the teams have had over the past two years are directly attributed to his efforts.  We are sad to see him leave but wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Higdon was instrumental in starting the Crusader women’s golf program while also reinstating the men’s program for the first time since 1992.    This past fall Valpo produced its first individual tournament champion on the women’s side, and in just two seasons has had the men’s team regularly competing in the middle of the standings at nearly every tournament in which they have competed.

“It was an honor for me to start the program and to see where it has come in just two years,” Higdon said.  “The program has a solid foundation and I am looking forward to following the kids as they progress and have no doubt that the teams will compete for the Horizon League title in the years to come.”

Higdon has accepted the Director of Golf of the Center of Excellence at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minn.

“This is a great opportunity for my career,” Higdon added.  “I will still be working with the same caliber of golfer, just with younger kids than on the collegiate level.”

A search will begin immediately for new leadership of the golf programs.