Moore hired as Southeast Missouri State women's tennis coach

Josh Moore, who started the women's tennis program at Division II Texas A&M Kingsville, has been hired to try and turn around Southeast Missouri State's struggling Division I program.

Moore was announced as the Redhawks' new coach Wednesday. He replaces Mark Elliott, whose contract was not renewed in April after six seasons.

"I'm looking forward to getting started," said Moore, a graduate of Howard Payne University in Texas, where he played tennis. "We're going to hit the ground running."

Texas A&M Kingsville went 0-14 during its inaugural season in 2012. The 30-year-old Moore took over the Javelinas after previously working as a teaching professional at the John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in Texas, where he tutored several rising young pro players.

"It was a low budget Division II school but we made it through the first year. I thought we were making progress," Moore said.

Elliott led Southeast to a 27-93 overall record and a 12-44 Ohio Valley Conference mark during his six seasons.

The Redhawks were 5-12 overall and 2-7 in OVC play this year while featuring no seniors in the lineup. Five of their losses were by one point.

Southeast last qualified for the OVC tournament in 2007 during Elliott's first year.

"It will be a challenge," Moore said of taking over at Southeast. "Hopefully we'll be able to make some headway our first year."