Todd Dagenais, the all-time winningest volleyball coach in UCF history, announced his resignation Thursday following 15 years in Orlando.

Dagenais, who transformed the volleyball program into one of the strongest in the country, resigned to pursue a professional sports opportunity, he said in a press release.

Shortly after the move was announced by UCF, Dagenais was named the first head coach of the Pro Volleyball Federation’s Atlanta franchise.

The Atlanta organization is one of eight teams that will play in the inaugural season of the Pro Volleyball Federation beginning in February 2024.

“My opportunity at UCF has given me the experience and confidence to go and help start a professional league, manage and coach a franchise,” Dagenais said. “And provide opportunities for women’s volleyball players that are not available to them right now.”

Under Dagenais, UCF won five straight AAC volleyball titles from 2018-22. The Knights made six trips to the NCAA tournament and advanced three times.

His 308 career victories top UCF’s charts while his 227 overall wins in 10 seasons in the AAC and 142 conference victories during that same span make him the all-time winningest volleyball coach in the conference in both categories.

The Knights also made strides in the classroom under his watch, too.

UCF kept at least a 3.0 grade-point average for every semester since May 2008 when he arrived. Sixty-two Knights earned spots on conference academic teams.

“Todd has done a fabulous job of building UCF volleyball into a national program,” UCF athletics director Terry Mohajir said in a release. “We thank him for all he has done and wish him all the best in his next professional endeavor. He leaves our program well-positioned for additional future successes.”

UCF associate head coach Jenny Maurer will serve as acting head coach, Mohaijr said.

Dagenais is the second head coach announced by a Pro Volleyball Federation team. The Grand Rapids Rise recently announced Cathy George, Michigan State’s all-time winningest head coach, as the first head coach in Pro Volleyball Federation.

In addition to his time at UCF, Dagenais has extensive experience coaching in the USA Volleyball system. He served as a head coach for the Collegiate National Team and as part of the staff for the U.S. Women’s National Team Open Tryout at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

“We are thrilled to welcome Todd as the new head coach,” Colleen Craig, the Pro Volleyball Federation Atlanta team owner, said. “Todd brings domestic and international experience at the highest levels to our team.”

Email Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @therealBeede.