DES MOINES, Iowa -- After 31 years, Heidi Soliday and KCCI-TV are parting company.

Soliday began working at KCCI as a part-time sports and news photographer in 1976. She went on to become KCCI's Sports Director, producing and anchoring KCCI's 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. weeknight sportscasts for nearly two decades. She was the first female sports director in local television in the country.

During her distinguished career at KCCI, Soliday covered countless sporting events around the country from the World Series to the Masters. Collegiately, she covered everything from the NCAA Men's and Women's Final Fours to the Heisman Trophy ceremony. Soliday has received numerous professional awards from both the Associated Press and the Iowa Broadcast News Association.

The 54-year-old Soliday says, "Wow! 31 years, what a run! It's time for this old dog to learn some new tricks!"

"We wish Heidi nothing but the best," says Paul Fredericksen, KCCI President and General Manager. "She's been part of our proud tradition for 31 years."