After 18 years of coaching dance, Jen Sims is walking away from the Packer dance team.

Sims, who led the Packers to 11 straight state dance meet appearances in her time with the Packers, announced her retirement from the team, along with assistants Marni Rohr, Jamie Coleman and Wendy Fleiner after the Packers took fourth at state Saturday.

“It has been a very difficult decision to retire,” Sims said. “It was a balancing act to allow all four of us, who have families and work full time to be able to coach as long as we have. Sometimes, life’s priorities take over and we have to make difficult choices.”

Sims began coaching 18 years ago in Montevideo, Minn. when she was pregnant with her daughter Taryn, who was a senior captain on this year’s dance team.

She coached in Austin for 11 years.

“I know I can speak for all of us,” Sims said. “We love this program and the girls and families involved, we formed a great coaching staff and worked so well together, blending our personalities and talents. We have some amazing memories.”

Sims hopes she left a lasting impression on her team as she walks away.

“As coaches, we hope we’ve taught the girls about more than the athleticism and artistic sides of dance team, but also the values of teamwork, dedication, believing in yourself, and setting goals,” Sims said. “We will miss the girls most of all.”