After two short years at Iowa State, head soccer coach Stephanie Gabbert has stepped down from the helm.

“This is a career decision, as I am currently pursuing opportunities outside of Ames, as well as those outside of collegiate athletics,” Gabbert said in a written statement. “I am very committed to the ISU soccer program and I am proud of the progress that this program has made during the last two years.

“I believe that this decision is in the best interest of both myself and the continued success of the program,” she said in the statement.

The ISU soccer team went 5-11-2 last season, and Gabbert held an overall 12-24-4 record as head coach.

ISU Athletics Director Bruce Van De Velde wished Gabbert well in the statement and said an interim coach would be named soon, with the search for a permanent coach to follow.

Sources from the athletic department indicated Monday that an announcement naming an interim head soccer coach would be made before the end of the week.

Sophomore midfielder Nikki Gamble said the team was shocked by the announcement, but she is still confident that the Cyclones can put together a great season this fall.

“I don’t think she would have put us in this position if she didn’t think we could handle it,” Gamble said.

Gabbert will be missed in a variety of ways, Gamble said.

“I’m going to miss a lot of things,” Gamble said. “I’ll miss her inspirational talks . . . her pep talks before games. She’s all-around going to be missed.

“We thought she was a really great coach. She taught us a lot and we had fun too,” Gamble said.

As far as a replacement goes, Gamble said Jim Winslow, who was named an assistant coach in April, would lead the program adequately. Gamble said none of the players have met Rebecca Hornbacher, who was named an assistant coach in June.

“It’s kind of funny how it worked out because the familiar face in the soccer program is Jim Winslow, and he came in the spring,” Gamble said. “We trust the judgment of the committee.”

Gamble said soccer practice is set to begin Aug. 13.

Ankeny recruit Leslie Hansell was understanding of coach Gabbert’s decision to leave the team. The midfielder said her impression of Gabbert was very positive.

“Living so close, I actually kept in touch with her a lot,” Hansell said. “I enjoyed the way she recruited me and I always thought she was a good coach.”

Hansell said Gabbert was just one reason she chose Iowa State, and she is still excited about next season.

“That’s not one thing you can really rely on – to go to school just for the coach,” Hansell said. “I really like the school and I like the team.”