ITHACA, N.Y. – Chris Hayes '16 announced his resignation as head coach for both the Ithaca men's and women's tennis programs. He will be stepping down from his position to pursue a new opportunity as a tennis professional at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island.

"I want to thank Susan Bassett and the entire IC family for giving me some of the best years of my life as a coach and student-athlete," said Hayes. "Between old teammates, former and current players, it has always been about the people here. While it is sad to leave, I know this isn't goodbye. I look forward to continuing the support for IC tennis as an alumnus."

Hayes has served as the head coach of both programs for the past three seasons and had been at Ithaca for the past six seasons following the retirement of Bill Austin. He guided the Bombers to a combined record of 41-47. Hayes guided the women's program to back-to-back Liberty League Tournament appearances where they advanced to the semifinals in 2022.

"We would like to congratulate Chris on his new opportunity and thank him for his service to the tennis programs," said Associate Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Susan Bassett '79. "Chris stepped in during some of the hardest times a coach could face with the pandemic and continued to bring a positive attitude to the programs every day. We wish Chris well in the next phase of his career."

Bassett announced that the search for a new head coach for both programs will begin immediately.