LA MIRADA, Calif. — Eddie Shepard, who has served as head swimming and diving coach at Biola University for seven years, announced his resignation this week.

Shepard was an NAIA All-American on the Biola swim team for one season before taking over as the fourth coach in the program's history.

Under his direction, the Eagles have reached the NAIA Championships in each of the last seven years,. The men's team placed in the top 10 at nationals in each of his seven seasons at the helm while the women placed in the top 10 in six of those seven years.

Shepard, who was also served as the President of the NAIA Swimming and Diving Coaches Association in 2008-09, coached the first NAIA Champion in the programs history as April Smith won the 200 breaststroke title at the 2010 Championships.

“Coach Shepard did a wonderful job as our swimming and diving coach for the past seven years,” said Biola Athletic Director Dave Holmqiust. “He is a man of deep Christian faith and a very effective role model. He is an excellent teacher of swimming. We will miss having him as our coach.”

Shepard, who recently completed his Master's of Theology degree at Biola, will be moving with his wife to Washington State over the summer where she is completing work on her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology.

“It has been a pleasure being a part of Biola for the past eight years,” said Shepard. “I am very thankful to all my co-workers as well as Dr. Holmquist for making the Biola Athletic Department a great place to work. I am also extremely grateful for the amazing swimmers that I have had the pleasure of coaching here at Biola. I am very sad to leave such a  great place, but am also excited about the new adventures that God has in store for me.”

Biola will begin the search for a new swimming and diving coach immediately.