Cara Gardner Morey has stepped down as general manager of the Vancouver Goldeneyes to assume the role of head coach, the PWHL announced Thursday. The 47-year-old Gardner Morey, who spent last season building the franchise, decided she preferred a return to coaching.

"I realized how much I missed being behind the bench," Gardner Morey stated. "While I continue to be incredibly proud of what we built in Vancouver during our inaugural season, coaching is where I know I can make the biggest impact." She previously coached for 14 seasons at Princeton.

The PWHL will search for Gardner Morey's GM replacement. The Goldeneyes, who were the first PWHL team eliminated from playoff contention last season, have also acquired U.S. Olympic team defender Caroline Harvey, selected with the No. 1 pick in the recent draft.