The defending Region 4 champion girls’ soccer team will have a new head coach, with Zach Salchli stepping down to take a position with the Western Kentucky women’s soccer program.

Salchli, who just finished his fourth season at Greenwood, told the Daily News he informed the team of his decision to step down at a meeting Tuesday – adding it was a difficult decision.

“One, it was an exciting opportunity for me to try something different and a new challenge,” Salchli said. “But also it is going to allow me a lot more time to spend with my family in the fall. It’s a schedule that kind of fits with us and our growing family a little bit. It gives me more time to spend with my daughter, which is really important to me.

“When the opportunity presented itself, it took me a long time to think about it. I spoke with my wife about it a lot and it felt like this was a good time because (Greenwood) is in a really good place right now and I think the leadership from this upcoming senior class, I felt comfortable that they could move on without me and would be fine no matter what.”

Salchli went 64-19-9 in his four seasons at Greenwood, with the Lady Gators reaching at least the Region 4 finals all four seasons.

Greenwood won the region two of the last three seasons, including last fall – winning despite the loss of leading scorer Anna Haddock prior to the region tournament.

The Lady Gators finished 17-3-3 last season, advancing to the state quarterfinals for the second time in three years.

Haddock is one of 10 rising seniors expected to lead the program next season.

“I wanted to leave the program in a better place when I left and I think it is definitely in a better place right now,” Salchli said. “That is something that gives me the most comfort, knowing what we have done in the last few years has put Greenwood in a position as – in my opinion – one of the elite programs in the state. I think we are on a really good path there and whoever takes over this program has everything they need to continue that task.

“I really feel Greenwood is in a good place and I felt like for me personally and professionally it was a good time for me to step aside and try something new because I am confident in the shape of the program.”