Women's Tennis | 5/15/2017 3:45:00 PM

STATESBORO, Ga. – Georgia Southern director of athletics Tom Kleinlein announced Monday the resignation of head women's tennis coach Michele Stanford, effective May 21, 2017. Under Stanford's direction, GS won 34 matches in four years and twice was recognized for the top GPA in women's tennis in the Sun Belt Conference. 

Stanford was promoted to head coach of the Eagles on Sept. 12, 2014, leading the program into the Sun Belt Conference. In her first season at the helm, her team posted 10 wins, including three in conference.

During the 2016-17 season the Eagles got off to a hot start, winning five of their first six matches. The Blue and White would finish the season with 11 wins, including the program's first SBC Tournament victory with a 4-3 win over Appalachian State 4-3.

"I would like to thank Michele for all she did to elevate the Georgia Southern program," Kleinlein said. "The women's tennis program accomplished much during Michele's tenure at Georgia Southern and she has left it in a good spot. Michele ran a first-class program both on the court and in the classroom and we wish her well in her future endeavors."

Stanford served as an assistant coach in 2013-14 for Amy Bonner and helped the program post 10 overall wins and four conference victories. Stanford came to Statesboro after a standout career at Furman University. During her four-year career with the Paladins, she posted 39 wins in singles competition. Stanford was selected as the Southern Conference Sportsmanship Award winner in 2013 and served as a team captain as a senior. 

"Georgia Southern has provided so many incredible opportunities throughout my experience here, and I could not thank my Eagle family enough for all of the love and support they have shown throughout my time as an Eagle," Stanford said. "It has been a true blessing to meet so many wonderful individuals, and there is no doubt in my mind that I will always keep this university close to my heart." 

A search for the next head coach will be conducted by the athletic department. The athletics department will not make further comments on the search for the next head coach until the process is complete.