When Syracuse takes the court next, it will do so without a familiar face that’s patrolled the sideline for the past 12 years. The team announced on Thursday that associate head coach Shelley George is retiring at the end of the month.

“I am very thankful for the opportunity that Syracuse University has given me to coach here for the past 13 years,” George said in a press release. “It has been a journey well worth taking and I have mixed emotions about retiring from the program, but I know it’s what’s best for me and my family at this time.”

George was named 2019 ITA Northeast Regional Assistant Coach of the Year. She has helped the team make three NCAA tournament appearances and claim 13 All-Conference nods during her tenure.

Her efforts extended beyond the court. George was one of six Division I coaches to receive the 2012 Eastern Sectional Campus & Community Outreach Award, and during the summer months, she participated in free tennis clinics given in the Syracuse City School District to teach tennis to students in the community.

“I have been blessed to work with Shelley for the last five years and experience her care and commitment as a coach and a person,” head coach Younes Limam said in a press release. “Syracuse Tennis accomplished much during Shelley’s tenure and I want to thank her for all she did to elevate the program.”

The Orange have announced they will begin an immediate national search for a replacement.

George always had a vision for the Orange that contributed to its success, former head coach Luke Jensen said in February.

“It’s like listen, we’re Syracuse, we’re going for you,” Jensen said. “We’re playing to win, we’re being aggressive. I know coach George was very much in that mindset when I was working with her, when she was on the coaching staff when I was there. And I’m sure she still has that mindset for the net. She was a tremendous net player when she played back in the day.”

Most recently, George oversaw Gabriela Knutson earn All-American honors this past spring and the Orange rose as high as No. 10 in the Oracle/ITA Division I rankings.

“I have enjoyed working with some great people over the years, and I gave my heart and soul to my players,” George said in a release. “I became a better person and coach with this opportunity and I will miss being in the battle with the Orange.”

Published on August 22, 2019 at 6:47 pm

Contact Eric: estorms@syr.edu