If most Penn State sports fans were to find out that arguably the school's most successful coach of their
time unexpectedly left last week, well, they would be up in arms.

Shrines would be erected all across the country and loyal followers of the Blue and White would be crying out for answers.

Of course, if those same fans were to learn that the person in question was former women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins, many might not even bat an eye. However, Wilkins, a coach with a career winning percentage of .836, took the head coaching position with Wisconsin last week, leaving behind an undeniable legacy of success for Penn State.

Having been on board since the program began as a varsity team 13 years ago, Wilkins has been a part of nine consecutive Big Ten titles. In her six seasons as head coach, she has yet to lose a conference crown and reached the NCAA College Cup twice.

Her accolades go on, including five Big Ten Coach of the Year awards, with possibly one of the most memorable coming this past season. The Nittany Lions were riddled with injuries in 2006 and there was no shortage of setbacks from a strong class that had since graduated. However, under Wilkins, the Lions won both the regular season title and the Big Ten Tournament.

Wilkins cited personal reasons as her motivation to take the new position. Although it seems as she did leave the driver's seat of a program, with the keys figuratively in the ignition and the engine idling, on its way to a national championship run. The departure was apparently an abrupt one, with many of her players feeling shocked at the decision.

Whatever her reasons for leaving Penn State, sports fans, students and faculty members alike should take notice of one of the best. Not only a coach but also a mentor, Wilkins led her teams to success on and off the field and should be greatly missed.

To accomplish what Wilkins and her predecessor Patrick Farmer did for a women's sport - building it into a national power - must be commended. And now, as the university looks for a replacement, the Penn State sports community has to hope the next coach can at least maintain the level of excellence that Wilkins set in Happy Valley.

For Wilkins, there should be no hard feelings from a school she left in such a great situation. Instead, we should all wish her luck in her future endeavor in building a similar program with the Badgers.

Achieving the things she has in the last decade, Wilkins' résumé should take a backseat to no one.

Not even a certain glasses-wearing, rolled-up-pants legend.