Boiling Springs, N.C. - Gardner-Webb assistant coach and former women's basketball standout Brooke Wilkinson has decided to step out of the coaching field and pursue another career announced head coach Rick Reeves.

"It is always a thrill to have a former player come back and join my staff as a coach," stated Reeves. "Brooke did an excellent job during her time here. I can understand her priorities of faith, family and then work and I respect her willingness to take the reigns of her family's business when needed. However, she will be greatly missed and if anything changes there will always be room on our staff for her."

Wilkinson, who is from near by Gastonia, N.C., will work with her family's business as she has accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer of the Wilkinson Incorporation. She will also be in charge of all the company's media market plans, which include television commercials and Internet promotions, as well as the spokes model of Jeff's Auto Sales.

"For all that know me, family is most important," commented Coach Wilkinson. "My decision to resign was tough, but it will allow me to proceed to start a new chapter of my life by working for my family's business, Wilkinson Family Incorporation. It has been with great pleasure to come back and coach at my alma mater for the past two years. I would like to thank Coach Reeves and Chuck Burch for allowing me to make that dream come. I was blessed to be able to experience my time here as a player and as a coach. Gardner Webb will always stay dear to my heart and be another home for me. "

In addition to Coach Wilkinson leaving, Director of Basketball Operations Logan Simpson will also leave this summer as the 2012 Gardner-Webb graduate has plans to pursue a postgraduate degree in the near future.

"Logan was a big help with our administrative duties as our Director of Basketball Operations last season," continued Coach Reeves. "Now, as he continues on with his future, we wish him the very best as he prepares for law school."

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