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Girls basketball and softball coach Julie Stewart is leaving Bishop Ryan Catholic School, having accepted a math teaching job in Edina, Minnesota.
Ryan's Athletic Director Roger Coleman confirmed the departure on Monday.
"I was notified yesterday (Sunday) that Julie is leaving the program," Coleman told the Minot Daily News. "She hasn't typed up anything officially, but she texted me and let me know yesterday that she was going to be done… It was real short and sweet."
In six seasons at the helm of the Ryan girls basketball program, Stewart led the Lions to three Class B State Championships, six district regular season championships and an impressive 84-game winning streak at one point.
Stewart coached softball for five seasons, leading the Lions to the Class A state tournament each year.
She coached both of her daughters at Ryan. The oldest, Hannah Stewart, being a former four-time All-State basketball section at Ryan, who moved on to play collegiately at the University of Iowa. The youngest, Annika, was going to be a sophomore at Ryan this year. She played volleyball, basketball and softball.
"It's going to be a difficult task," Coleman said about replacing Julie Stewart. "I just hope we can find somebody that can fill those shoes and be great as well."
The task made even tougher with basketball season looming.
"It opens up two jobs and, at this point, I don't think it's likely that we find a candidate to take both spots," Coleman said. "Basketball is a lot tougher because it's right around the corner and softball we have a little bit more time."
Julie Stewart could not be reached for comment Monday.
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