STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State women's basketball assistant coach Jennifer Price has submitted her resignation to the school, head coach Rene Portland announced on Friday.

Price has decided to leave the collegiate coaching profession and pursue a teaching career.

"I'm sure Jen's decision came after a lot of soul-searching," Portland said. "To leave coaching basketball was a very difficult decision. We wish her luck in her future endeavors. She will be greatly missed."

A native of Twelve Mile, Ind., Price focused on recruiting and working with the post players during her two seasons with the Lady Lions.

""I have had a wonderful, nine-year career as a Division I assistant coach. I have been fortunate to work for some great people, including Rene Portland," " Price said. "It took me a long time to come to this decision, because there were positives and negatives on both sides. I'm leaving Penn State after two years with a Final Four ring and some great memories. I will miss this program, our players, and this profession, but I am very excited about the next chapter of my life."

In her first season at PSU during 1999-2000, Price saw Penn State make its 16th NCAA Tournament appearance, as well as its first-ever NCAA Women's Final Four, its third Big Ten Championship, and a school record 30 wins. Along the way, the No. 3 nationally ranked Lady Lions went a perfect 15-0 at home at the Bryce Jordan Center, recording their first undefeated season in the new arena. PSU also made an all-time best 22 television appearances, including eight nationally televised contests.

Prior to joining the Lady Lion staff, Price spent two seasons with the San Diego State Aztecs prior to moving to Happy Valley where she handled all recruiting, scheduling, and scouting duties.

Prior to her position in San Diego, Price spent four seasons assisting Kay Yow at North Carolina State. She handled film exchanges and scouting responsibilities. During her tenure, the Wolfpack compiled a 73-46 overall record and earned three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. In 1994-95, N.C. State advanced to the Sweet Sixteen.

A 1992 graduate of Taylor University in Upland, Ind., Price earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education. She also pursued a master's degree in exercise physiology from Ball State.

While taking graduate classes, Price served as a volunteer assistant coach at Ball State where she handled the squad's travel arrangements and implemented the Cardinal Ball Kids program. She also spent two seasons as an assistant coach at her alma mater while pursuing her undergraduate degree. She helped the Lady Trojans to a school record 23 wins during the 1990-91 campaign.