WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary's University of Minnesota athletic director Brian Sisson announced Wednesday that Chad Davis has stepped down as the head women's hockey coach to return to the same role at NCAA Division III Adrian College, where he served for seven seasons. He has been at Saint Mary's for the past year. 
 
"While we have enjoyed having Chad as a Cardinal and are grateful for his expertise during this year of transitions, we also understand his pull to return to his family and Michigan roots," Sisson said. "We remain extremely excited about our student-athletes and the successful season they accomplished last season and look forward to finding our next leader of Cardinal women's hockey. After last season, I cannot wait to see what our new coach can accomplish with the returners and incoming freshmen."
  
Davis spent the one season at the helm for the Cardinals, compiling a 19-6-2 overall record and a berth in the MIAC Playoff title game, where they fell to defending national champion Gustavus, 2-0. The 19 wins in 2023-24 were the most by a Cardinal women's hockey team since the 2001-2 season.
 
"Making the decision to leave Saint Mary's is difficult as I found this to be such a vibrant and dedicated community," said Davis. "I'm grateful to Brian Sisson and Saint Mary's University for giving me the opportunity to work with this talented group of young women and I wish them all the best as they prepare to make their mark in the conference.
 
Sisson noted that a search for Davis's replacement would begin immediately.