The most successful coach in the history of the Thomas Jefferson fastpitch program won’t be back when the Raiders take the field next season.

Chad Fahnlander sent a resignation letter Wednesday to coaches and administrators around the South Puget Sound League stating that he wanted to spend more time with his family.

“When I accepted this job in the fall of 2003, my children were 4 and 2, they are now soon to be 11 and 9,” Fahnlander wrote. “Family is everything to me and I have preached numerous times to my teams that in order to be successful you must become a family.”

The Raiders recently finished off their 2010 season with another trip to the Class 4A State Softball Tournament. It was the third time in the last four years that Fahnlander led the Jefferson program into the state tournament. The Raiders’ only other appearance at state came in 2002.

Fahnlander’s overall record at TJ during his seven-year stint is 110-70 and the Raiders advanced into the postseason every season. He also was the head coach of the Jefferson baseball program before taking over fastpitch.

“During the seven years here I have enjoyed my time while coaching and feel grateful for the knowledge and friendships that I have gained,” Fahnlander wrote. “It is now time for me to be home and watch over my family and to create those memories that I have helped create for many young fastpitch players at Thomas Jefferson High School.”