Varsity softball head coach Joe Aranda resigned after five years at the helm of the team and fifteen years as part of the softball program, the Athletic Department announced in a press release Thursday.

The press release stated that Aranda, who was hired in 1999 as an assistant coach and promoted to head coach ten years later, elected not to return in order to spend more time with his family and pursue other career opportunities. Aranda himself emphasized the former in the release.

“I’ve had a great time over the last 15 years,” Aranda said . “I have enjoyed being a member of the Harvard-Westlake community. This was not an easy decision for me because I’ve enjoyed working with the girls through the years. Ultimately, I want to spend more time with my family and that is what matters most to me.”

In 2013, Aranda led the softball team to an 18-5 overall record and its second straight Mission League championship. The Wolverines reached the second round of CIF playoffs, but were knocked out after a narrow 3-2 loss to Colton.

Aranda ends his Wolverine head coaching stint with a total record of 68-48-2 and leaves the softball program in search of a new leader. Head of Athletics Terry Barnum cited Aranda’s resignation as a tough loss for Wolverine athletics.

“We are extremely grateful for the time and effort Joe has given to our school over the past 15 years,” Barnum said. “Joe is a man of high character and his presence will be sorely missed at our school.”