The head coach of the St. Edward’s university cheerleading team resigned abruptly over winter break.

Ann Carney, who had been in her position for over seven years, sent an email to the team indicating that their semester assessments played a role in her decision.

“After reading your assessments of me and my program, I knew the moment had arrived,” Carney wrote in the email on Dec. 13. “Without respected, trusted and valued leadership, a team cannot function effectively and safely,” Carney said in an email to her athletes. “I’m excited about my next adventure into the world of yoga, dance, life coaching, and working with the elderly or children.”

Nicole Wilkins, the squad’s athletic trainer for the past five years, has taken over as head coach. She said Carney wanted to explore other opportunities.

“She had talked about personal things she wanted to accomplish and opportunities presented themselves,” said Wilkins.

One player said that a lack of communication led to strain on the team.

“If we did a stunt, and it didn’t work on the first try, she would automatically want to water it down, instead of giving it another try,” said Megan Aust, a cheer team member. “Her technique and what the team wanted were completely two different things.”

Frustration boiled over into the semester evaluations.

Aust said the majority of the comments were constructive criticism.

“I just can’t believe a bunch of college kids made her lose her job,” she said.

In an interview with Hilltop Views, Carney said there were a number of reasons behind her decision to resign.

“While my confidential email to my team included mention of the assessments, they were merely the catalyst for the timing of a decision I had already made,” she said.

Carney said she felt no pressure to leave from the athletic department’s office and that she had built a successful program.

“I feel so good about the fall semester and what the team accomplished,” she said.

About the players’ evaluation of her performance, she said: “There will be many opinions within a bunch of 20 cheerleaders.”

Despite different claims on why Carney left, the team reassures that their main goal is to support St. Edward’s and it’s athletics.

“We’re representing the university and supporting the athletic teams, while being ambassadors,” Wilkins said.

Despite this turn of events the squad is looking forward to their Homecoming performance in a few weeks.

Yet, while most would assume the abrupt departure of their coach would dampen the team’s spirits, it is assured that the squad is moving forward and reflecting on the past simultaneously.

Aust said the team has pulled together during the transition to a new coach.

“It made us evaluate ourselves and brought us closer as a squad,” she said. “Everything happens for a reason and that’s something we’re learning together.