SEARCY – After 39 seasons as Harding's head tennis coach, David Elliott will retire at the end of the 2013 season.
Elliott became the head coach of Harding's men's tennis program in 1975 and has coached the women's program since its inception in 1991. During that time, Elliott has won 733 men's matches and 401 women's matches for 1,134 total, one of the highest totals in collegiate tennis history.
“The time went really fast,” Elliott said. “I never really anticipated going anywhere else. I pretty much made the commitment that I would be at Harding as long as they would have me.”
Elliott's teams have won 10 conference championships. Harding's men have made nine appearances in the NCAA Division II Tournament and the women's team has appeared in seven national tournaments.
Elliott's teams, who have never had a losing record in any season, have always been known for their mix of American and international players.
“I have always tried to recruit the best player, who was the best person I could get, whether they were from Texas or Thailand,” Elliott said. “I wanted to get a quality person who was a fit for Harding and could help us win as many tennis matches as we could.”
Elliott has been a source of guidance for his players as well as for his colleagues.
“Coach Elliott's influence on our student-athletes has been great,” said Harding athletics director Greg Harnden. “He has also been a great person for all of our coaches to talk to when facing tough decisions concerning athletes as well as questions about their games. His life of service to Harding will forever be appreciated.”
Harding president Dr. David Burks said, “Coach Elliott has been a wonderful blessing to Harding University, our athletic program, and intercollegiate tennis especially. He has provided great leadership for us for a long period of time. He will be missed in this role.”
Both of Harding's teams have two regular season matches remaining. The Bisons and Lady Bisons will host East Central on Friday at 1 p.m. in their final home matches of the 2013 season. The Great American Conference Tournament will be held April 19-21 in Bentonville, Ark.
Elliott will remain on staff at Harding and continue to teach in the kinesiology department.
