Epley Resigns as Women's Tennis Coach

Sept. 3, 2003

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State head women's tennis coach Kevin Epley has resigned effective immediately to accept the same position at William and Mary College, Athletics Director Scott Johnson announced today.

Epley compiled a three-year record of 55-19 and led the Bulldogs to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two WAC championships. He was named the WAC Coach of the Year in 2002 and '03 and helped guide Fresno State to a program-high ranking of No. 8 in 2001, his first year as a coach.

During Epley's tenure, four Bulldogs earned All-America honors ? Kim Niggemeyer (doubles, 2001-02), Liesl Fichtbauer (singles, 2001), Simone Jardim (doubles, 2001-02) and Chloe Carlotti (singles, 2002-03). Prior to Epley, only two Fresno State players had ever earned the honor.

"Kevin took our program to unprecedented heights, and we are extremely thankful for the hard work he put into our women's tennis team," said Johnson. "He was a tremendous asset to our department, and because of him our program is viewed as one of the best in the nation. We wish him the absolute best of luck at William and Mary."

Fresno State finished the 2002-03 campaign with a 17-8 record and ranked 20th in the nation. It marked the second time in his three years with the Bulldogs that he led them to a top 20 finish in the final national poll.

Under his watch, Epley recruited Carlotti, a junior who is the only player in program history to earn All-America honors in both of her first two years. He also coached Carlotti into the NCAA Singles Tournament in 2002 and '03.

Fresno State returns all six starters from last year's team and adds Stacy McKenna, a junior transfer who was a nationally-ranked player at Washington State in 2001, and freshman Jelena Pandzic, considered one of the nation's top recruits.

The Kevin Epley FileYear      W    L   Pct.   WAC              NCAA2000-01  21   5  .808     Runner-up     Second Round2001-02  17   6  .739     Champions     Second Round2002-03  17   8  .680     Champions     Second RoundTotals     55    19  .743    2 WAC titles     3 NCAA appearances
Singles All-Americans (2): Chloe Carlotti (2002-03); Liesl Fichtbauer (2001)Doubles All-Americans (2): Simone Jardim (2001-02); Kim Niggemeyer (2001-02)

Fresno State Athletics

Epley Resigns as Women's Tennis Coach

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