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Women's Tennis

Ware Taking Over Helm Of Women's Tennis Program

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Longtime assistant coach John Ware has been named interim head coach of the UNCW women's tennis program following the departure of Evan Clark to the University of Illinois.
 
Clark recently accepted a position as assistant coach for veteran Illini Head Coach Michelle Dasso in Urbana-Champaign following two full seasons with the Seahawks.
 
"We appreciate all of the hard work Evan has contributed to the program and wish him well," said Jimmy Bass, UNCW's athletic director. "This is a wonderful opportunity for him and a chance to move closer to his immediate family. He has achieved some memorable milestones here that will not be forgotten."

The Seahawks have enjoyed tremendous success since Clark's arrival in the summer of 2012, advancing to the 2013 Colonial Athletic Association Tournament finals, and then breaking through last spring with the school's first conference title and subsequent NCAA appearance.

UNCW compiled a sparkling 17-4 record in 2013-14 and nailed down the No. 1 seed at the CAA Tournament for the first time. The Seahawks defeated Charleston, 4-3, for the school's first women's crown.

Clark was selected 2014 CAA Coach-of-the-Year and senior Angie Sekely earned CAA Player-of-the-Year honors. Overall, five Seahawks collected All-CAA recognition.

"I'm very grateful to Jimmy Bass for giving me and my family the opportunity to come to Wilmington two years ago," said Clark. "It was a very special opportunity for us and we have enjoyed every minute of it.

"While I'm very excited about the opportunity ahead of me, it's with mixed feelings. It was an extremely tough decision to step away from a team and a program that I love dearly and a university and athletic department that has been so supportive of me and my family.

"UNCW will always hold a special place in my heart and I look forward to watching the program grow even more. I wish the women's tennis program and the athletic department nothing but the best in the future."

Ware, a former assistant coach at Kentucky, is in his 14th year with the program. During his tenure, UNCW has placed 41 players on the CAA All-Conference squads.

Ware has extensive playing and coaching experience. He competed collegiately for Valdosta State's top-20 team from 1989-90 and has served on the staffs at the Athens (Ga.) Country Club and Jennings Mills Country Club.

The Athens, Ga., native began his collegiate coaching career with the Kentucky Wildcats in 1999-00 and was involved with all aspects of the UK program before moving to Wilmington.

"I want to thank Jimmy Bass and Adrianne Swinney for giving me the opportunity to lead this program," said Ware. "As a member of the coaching staff for 13 seasons, I have been fortunate to work with two very good coaches in Jenny Garrity and Evan Clark, and I hope to continue to build on the successes of this incredible program.

"I could not have inherited a better group of young women. We are committed to doing everything we can to defend our conference championship."
Ware completed his Bachelor's Degree in Finance from Georgia in 1995. He also earned a degree in Liberal Studies from UNCW in 2011.

A national search seeking a permanent head coach for the program will begin following the conclusion of the spring season.
 
 
 
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Players Mentioned

Angie Sekely

Angie Sekely

PLAYER
5' 8"
Senior

Players Mentioned

Angie Sekely

Angie Sekely

5' 8"
Senior
PLAYER