From Sean P. Murphy

Kristin Gough resigned as girls soccer coach at Warren Central, ending a four-year tenure with the Lady Vikes.

Gough, who set state scoring records during her career at Vicksburg High school, said she is taking at least a year off.

&#8220It was very hard walking away, but it’s not like I am going anywhere else. I’m just going to be a stay-at-home mom,” Gough said. &#8220I thought about teaching and not coaching, coaching and not teaching. Something had to go. It was taking a toll on my students, players, my family and my health.”

Gough told her players on Friday. Most have been with her since they were freshmen or younger.

&#8220Telling my team was the hardest part,” Gough said. &#8220They were my babies and some I have had since the 7th grade.”

It will mark the second time in as many years that Warren Central will be looking for a soccer coach. Last season, boys coach Jay Harrison left for Madison Central, opening the door for Greg Head.

Gough coached the Lady Vikes for the past four seasons, recording a 50-34-6 record and reaching the Class 5A playoffs in her first two seasons.

During her third season, Gough gave birth to her first child and the strains of rearing a young child and leading the Lady Vikes became too much. During that season, Gough’s sister-in-law, Jessie Gough, assisted the team.

Kristin Gough, though, never had a full-time assistant coach.

&#8220I think having a full-time assistant would have made things a little easier,” Gough said.

Kristin Gough starred at Vicksburg High for four seasons. Then known as Kristin Chapman, she scored 126 goals in her brilliant career and earned two Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year honors. She also led the Missy Gators to three Class 5A state championships.

She earned a scholarship to the University of Florida to play soccer, and later transferred to Ole Miss to finish her career.

Having played soccer for as long as she can remember, Gough said it will be an adjustment getting used to being away from the game.

&#8220It’s time for me to move in a different direction,” Gough said. &#8220I’ll take things one day at a time. I can always go back to coaching club or giving private lessons one day.

&#8220I’ve always been a go, go, go person and planned ahead for everything. Now I want to learn to focus on today.”