VICTORIA – After eight seasons behind the bench with the University of Victoria Vikes women's basketball team, head coach Dani Sinclair has decided to leave the program.

"This is a very hard and difficult decision for me. This is a personal change for me and I have to think of my family first and this move is what is best for them," said Sinclair.

The decision to step down comes three weeks after the Vikes lost in the Canada West quarterfinals to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. Under Sinclair's instruction this year, the Vikes went 12-8.

"We respect and understand Dani's decision to leave our program. We all understand that it is a family-first decision. We are sad to see her go but we thank her for many contributions to UVic as a student-athlete, assistant coach and head coach with our women's basketball program. Dani was successful at every level with our Vikes and she contributed significantly in promoting and growing the game of basketball in our region," said Clint Hamilton, Director of Vikes Athletics and Recreation.

Sinclair was appointed the interim head coach in April 2012, when she took over for Rich Chambers and was given the permanent role the next season. Over eight seasons with the Vikes, Sinclair registered a 105-59 record. She leaves the Vikes with the third-longest tenure and the fourth most wins. The Vikes also reached the playoffs each year under Sinclair's watch.

She previously worked as an assistant coach with the Vikes from 2006-09. She spent the 2009-10 season with the Dalhousie University Tigers before returning to the Vikes the following year as an assistant coach under Brian Cheng.

Sinclair began her collegiate career with the McMaster University Marauders in 1998 and was the Kathy Shields Award (CIS Rookie of the Year) recipient. She was a three time Ontario University Athletic conference All-Star from 1998-2001 and was the Marauders Female Athlete of the Year in 2001. She took the following season off and transferred to UVic for the final two years of her basketball career.

"UVic was the school I idolized growing up in Ontario. I never thought I would have the chance to come play here, win here and eventually coach the Vikes," said Sinclair. "A huge piece of my heart will always remain here, but I just have to step away right now."

She was named captain of the 2002-03 Vikes and led them to the program's ninth CIS National Championship. She was also selected to the Tournament All-Star Team. In her final year, she was named a Canada West First Team All-Star and a First Team All-Canadian.

As of April 3, assistant coach Shalie Dheensaw will provide oversight of the program and help support the student-athletes. Further details with respect to the Women's Basketball Program Leader position will be forthcoming.