Tom Simpson Resigns as Coker Tennis Coach

Hartsville, S.C. – Oct. 31, 2014 – Coker College men's and women's tennis coach Tom Simpson announced his resignation today after three years at the college. Simpson has accepted the position of Director of Student Care for Bishops Gate Golf Academy and Bishops Gate Tennis in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla., to begin in January.

"My time here at Coker has been truly a blessing," Simpson said. "The tennis teams have experienced great success, the religion classes have been revived and both the student body and the campus have grown. My mixed feelings of leaving Coker come from the anticipation of missing friendships that I've made in the past four years with coaches, faculty, players and students. I have poured myself into the Cobra environment wholeheartedly by supporting student activities through athletic events, plays, and musical performances. Since I have been here at Coker, my goal has been to take people one step further on their journey as a learner in the classroom or on the courts."

Simpson joined the Coker staff in September 2011. In 2013, he was named Conference Carolinas Coach of the Year and the United States Professional Tennis Association Southern Division Coach of the Year. Also in 2013, he led the Cobra men to the program's first ever regular season conference championship, with a perfect 10-0 in conference play. They were ranked as high as No. 6 in the Southeast Region, and Andre Staab became the first-ever Coker player to be ranked nationally (No. 32) and regionally (No.12) by the ITA. Staab was also named Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year and ITA Rookie of the Year. Simpson also led the women's team to their third consecutive conference tournament in 2013. During his time at Coker, Simpson led the men's team to an overall record of 38-26, and 16-44 for the women's team.

Simpson said his personal highlights from his tenure at Coker include coaching the men's team to their undefeated conference season, as well as watching his son Billy graduate from Coker and propose to his girlfriend onstage in Dec. 2013.

"While I hate to see Coach Simpson leave Coker, I am grateful for what he has been able to accomplish during his three years here," said Lynn Griffin, vice president for athletics and facilities. "He has brought recognition to our tennis program and has provided the stability that the teams needed. He has been an asset to Coker and has created a bright future for Coker tennis."

Before joining the Coker staff, Simpson served as a pro and traveling coach for the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, S.C. He was also the Co-Director of the Academy's Housing of International and National Students. Simpson has also served as the head professional and tennis director at several tennis clubs in Columbia, S.C. and Hilton Head, including The Rockbridge Club, the Spring Valley Country Club, the Forest Lake Country Club and the Port Royal Racquet Club.

A very successful professional tennis instructor, coach and player, Simpson holds his United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) P1 certification and his United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR) certification. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in Political Science from Oakland University in Rochester, Mich., where he competed in the NCAA Division II singles and doubles championships in 1979. He also holds a master of arts in Intercultural Studies from Columbia International University.

Release written by editor and content strategist Laura Hoxworth.

Coker College readies undergraduates for personal and professional success through a distinctive four-year program that emphasizes a practical application of the liberal arts as well as hands-on and discussion-based learning within and beyond the classroom. Coker is ranked among the "Best Colleges" in the South by U.S. News & World Report as well as The Princeton Review. Located in Hartsville, S.C., Coker is within two hours of the cultural, financial and recreational resources of Charlotte, Columbia, Charleston and Myrtle Beach.