By DONNY NADEAU
Saint Mary's Sports Information Director
 
WINONA, Minn. — For Brent Pollari, it was an opportunity he just could not pass up.
 
Pollari, who has guided the Saint Mary's University of Minnesota women's basketball to Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Playoff appearances in two of his three seasons, announced Thursday that he is stepping down as SMU's head coach to accept the women's head basketball position at NCAA Division II Wayne State.
 
"I want to thank all of the players, staff, and community at Saint Mary's for giving me the opportunity to be a part of a special program," said Pollari, who compiled a 50-29 overall record to go with those two MIAC Playoff appearances during his time at the helm at Saint Mary's. "I have spent many years competing against and admiring Wayne State women's basketball and this was an opportunity I just could not pass up.
 
"I am very proud of what our Cardinal student-athletes have accomplished and am excited to watch them thrive in the future," Pollari added. "Saint Mary's will always hold a special place in my heart."
 
This past season, the Cardinals closed out the year with a 16-11 overall record, reaching the MIAC Playoff semifinals, where they fell to regular-season and playoff-champion St. Thomas. In his first season with Saint Mary's in 2015-2016, the Cardinals finished second in the regular-season standings and played in the MIAC Playoff title game, earning Pollari MIAC Coach of the Year honors.
 
Pollari's coaching experience includes coaching collegiately at the NCAA Division I, II, and III levels, as well as in the high school ranks. He has coached 29 all-conference players, two All-Americans, 113 all-academic student-athletes, and six players who played professionally. 
 
Prior to his hire at Saint Mary's University, Pollari spent time coaching at Minnesota State University, the University of North Dakota, Northern State University, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Montana State University, and Corvallis (Mont.) High School.
 
"I am extremely grateful to Coach Pollari for his work with our women's basketball program, said Saint Mary's athletic director Dr. Nikki Fennern, who noted that a national search for Pollari's replacement will commence shortly. "He has led the team to a conference tournament title game, recruited high-quality student-athletes, and has mentored our student-athletes on and off the court.
 
"I wish him well in his new venture, knowing that he is leaving our women's basketball program in a very strong position for the future."