Jason Lowery went 50-75 in five seasons at Pacific. Pacific athletics photo

After five years as Pacific men's basketball coach, Jason Lowery has announced that he is leaving to become the head girls basketball coach at Portland's Jesuit High School.

Lowery announced his decision on Monday to return to his high school alma mater. A 1993 graduate of Jesuit, Lowery will take over one of the state's most powerful and successful prep girls basketball programs. The Crusaders finished as the state runner-up in last year's OSAA 6A state championship, falling in the final to Southridge. The Crusaders are returning all of their players for the 2010-11 season. In addition to his coaching duties, Lowery will work at Jesuit as a counselor.

"Pacific has been great to me and my family over the last five years," Lowery said. "Having had the opportunity to build life-long relationships with my players, including the likes of Kyle Motta, Ross Bartlett, Jonathan Jury, Garold Howe, Jesse Wong, Branden Kawazoe and countless others has been an absolute privilege."

Pacific athletic director Ken Schumann said a national search for a new men's basketball coach will begin immediately.

"I would like to thank Jason for the good work he has done with our men's basketball programs over the last five years and for the excellent contributions he has made as a member of the department," Schumann said. "I know Jason is looking forward to spending more time with his family without the time spent recruiting at the college level."

Lowery became Pacific coach in 2005, succeeding Schumann after he moved over to become Pacific's athletic director. He compiled a 50-75 record in five seasons. Lowery's teams finished fourth place or better in the Northwest Conference standings twice, topped by a 9-7 conference mark in the 2007-08 season that saw the Boxers finish tied for third in the conference standings.

Lowery led the Boxers through an injury-riddled season in 2009-10, finishing with an 8-17 record. The season with the selection of his lone five-year athlete, Ross Bartlett, to the All-Northwest Conference Second Team and the D3hoops.com All-West Region Third Team.