Stevens departs Southeast tennis program after 1 year

A chance for Mike Stevens to get much closer to home is the primary reason Southeast Missouri State University is once again in the market for a head women's tennis coach.

Stevens, who spent just one season at Southeast, announced Monday he is resigning effective Friday. Stevens is leaving to become the head coach at Binghamton University in New York.

"It was too good an opportunity for myself and my family to pass up, mainly for my family," Stevens said. "I grew up in New Jersey and my wife is also from the East Coast. It's like going back home for us."

Under Stevens, the Otahkians went 4-11 last season and placed seventh in the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament, marking their highest OVC Tournament finish since 1998.

"I thought the team made a lot of positive strides last season," Stevens said. "I enjoyed my year here. Cape is a great place, and it would have been nice to stay and build something, but I just feel like this is best for me and my family."

Southeast athletic director Don Kaverman said a national search for a new coach will begin immediately.

Cindy Gannon, senior woman administrator at Southeast who is also the school's head volleyball coach, will oversee the tennis team until a new coach is hired.