STERLING, Kan. (SCWarriors.com) – Sterling College Athletics and Vice President for Athletics Scott Downing announced that Head Tennis Coach Jeff Duke has resigned. Duke returned to his alma mater two years ago to rebuild the tennis program.
“We are very sad to see Coach Duke step down from leading the tennis team, but we understand and support his decision,” said Justin Morris, Director of Athletics. “Coach Duke has increased the competitiveness and level of our tennis program in a very short time, and we are very thankful for that.”
In his second year at the helm, Coach Duke assembled a women’s team that performed the best they ever have at the 2023 KCAC Fall Championships. His players earned several KCAC Player of the Week awards, and the women’s team had the best finish since the program’s resurgence at the 2024 KCAC Tournament. The most remarkable feat on the court was that both teams were recognized in the ITA team polls, the women at #28 and the men at #37.
“I would like to thank President Rich, Justin Morris, and Scott Downing for giving me the opportunity and trust in building the Sterling College tennis program,” said Duke. “I was blessed with the opportunity to spread the mission of Sterling College to many wonderful student-athletes. To the administration, fellow coaches, and professors, it was an honor to work alongside you. To the alums and current players, I am extremely grateful and proud of what we accomplished. I will always be a Warrior 4 Life.”
A search for Coach Duke’s replacement is already underway.
