Olivet College to field men’s tennis and men’s volleyball teams by fall 2014

OLIVET, Mich. -- Olivet College President Steven M. Corey, Ph.D, has announced the Comets will launch men’s tennis and men’s volleyball teams, in time for the 2014-15 season.

Men’s tennis is being reinstated after an 18-year hiatus. Men’s volleyball will be offered as a sanctioned intercollegiate club sport.

“With more than half our student body participating in intercollegiate athletics, we place a high priority on ensuring we remain a competitive force in the MIAA,” said President Corey.  “These two teams make great additions to the Comet athletic program.”

With this announcement, Megan Merchant has been promoted to Director of Volleyball, while retaining duties as head coach for the women’s program. Casey Hilts has been named the head coach of the men’s program.

Merchant is currently in her second season as the Comets’ women’s volleyball coach in 2013. Prior to joining Olivet’s staff, she was the head volleyball coach at Pewamo-Westphalia High School for six years, leading the Pirates to 228-86-38 record.

Hilts is in his second year as an assistant under Merchant. He has also been the head volleyball coach at Ashley High School since 2011. Prior to becoming the coach at Ashley, Hilts was an assistant volleyball coach at Alma College from 2007-10.

A national search for the head coach of the men’s tennis program will be conducted. The person hired will also oversee the women’s tennis program, which is currently being led by interim head coach Mary Anne McMullen.