Olivet College women’s tennis coach Mary Anne McMullen announces retirement
Olivet College Head Women’s Tennis Coach Mary Anne McMullen has announced her decision to retire from coaching at the end of the 2012 season. She will remain at the college as the director of special events.
OLIVET, Mich. -- Olivet College Head Women's Tennis Coach Mary Anne McMullen has announced her decision to retire from coaching at the end of the 2012 season. She will remain at the college as the director of special events.
McMullen began her coaching career in 2001, and will end her 12th season as the Comets' head coach this season. She is currently tied for the longest tenured head coach on the Olivet athletic staff. During her time as the head coach, the Comets have broken and re-broken the single-season wins record. McMullen first set the wins record in 2004 with six, including a 6-3 win over Alma College to snap a 104-match losing streak in Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) play. The next season, Olivet bettered that total by three with nine wins.
"I want to thank Mary Anne for her tireless efforts coaching our student-athletes," said Olivet Athletic Director Heather Bateman. "To be a head coach at one school for 12 years shows the passion you have for coaching. I wish Mary Anne the best of luck."
In 2007, the Comets won 10 matches, which was then equaled by the 2009 team. In 2010, Olivet posted a 9-8 record for the first winning season in school history. Under her tutelage, McMullen has coached a three-time All-MIAA player (Rachel Villums), and two two-time All-MIAA players (Jacalyn Mummaw and Cailtin LaValley).
McMullen's teams have also been successful in the class room. Four teams, including twice in the last three seasons, have earned the MIAA Team GPA award. In addition, more than 25 student-athletes have been named to the MIAA Academic Honor Roll. Her teams and athletes have also received the All-Academic Award from Intercollegiate Tennis Association numerous times.
"I have enjoyed my time serving as a head coach of the Olivet tennis program," said McMullen. "Over the years, I have had outstanding captains like Corey Jager, Lindsey Struble and Kelsey Singer, who have made my job easier. They have done a great job setting an example for the other players, whether it's been on or off the court."
According to Bateman, the search for McMullen's replacement has begun.