Bothwell steps down from Vermont women’s head coaching post

Vermont head women’s coach Tim Bothwell stepped down on Wednesday after six years behind the bench.

“It is with a great deal of professional disappointment that I announce my resignation [Wednesday],” said Bothwell in a statement. “I was hired to move the UVM women’s hockey program forward and we have moved forward in very significant ways since 2006. However, in the coaching profession at any level, wins and losses are the ultimate measure of success and from that perspective, I accept full responsibility for the lack of success we have achieved in my six years as head coach. This past season has been a particular disappointment. We had a very strong freshmen class but many factors, including key injuries, meant fewer wins than anyone expected.”

Bothwell, who came to UVM from the Canadian Olympic Team following its gold medal victory at the 2006 Olympics, compiled a record of 39-138-21 during his six-year tenure. In 2011-12, Vermont posted an overall record of 7-17-9 and 4-13-4 in Hockey East.

In 2009-10, Vermont won 10 games, a Division I program record. UVM also won five Hockey East games that season, matching a school record.

The search for a new head coach will begin immediately. Current assistant coaches Grant Kimball and Mike Gilligan will oversee the program until a new head coach is named.