In a recent development, McPherson College's athletic landscape has undergone a significant change. The institution's Athletic Director, Josh Daume, revealed that the current Director of Tennis, Keiran President, has tendered his resignation. This announcement marks the end of an era for McPherson College tennis, which thrived under President's leadership over the past three years. During this period, both the men’s and women’s teams achieved remarkable success, culminating in multiple conference championships and national tournament appearances. President will now take on a new challenge as the Head Coach at Chicago State University, an NCAA Division I institution. The college plans to promptly initiate a nationwide search to find a suitable successor who can uphold the legacy of excellence in its tennis programs.
The departure of Keiran President from McPherson College signifies a pivotal moment for the school's tennis program. Since joining the college in 2022, President has been instrumental in steering the teams toward unprecedented achievements. Under his guidance, the men’s tennis team secured KCAC regular season and tournament titles for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024. Each year, the squad also advanced to the NAIA national tournament, showcasing their dominance in the sport. Meanwhile, the women’s team reached new heights in 2024 by clinching both the KCAC regular season and tournament championships, marking their return to the NAIA national tournament after a five-year hiatus. These accomplishments highlight President's ability to foster a winning culture within the college's athletic department.
The transition comes as President moves to a higher level of collegiate competition. His new role as Head Coach at Chicago State University represents a significant career advancement. Despite the loss of such a talented coach, Josh Daume expressed admiration for President's contributions to McPherson College. “We are grateful for the outstanding service Keiran provided during his tenure,” Daume stated. “While we regret seeing him leave, we are excited about the opportunities this move presents for him.” The college is committed to maintaining its tradition of excellence in tennis and will begin a comprehensive search to identify a coach capable of continuing this legacy. The process aims to ensure that the next leader can build upon the foundation laid by President and guide the teams toward future triumphs.
The upcoming phase for McPherson College's tennis programs will focus on sustaining the momentum established under Keiran President's leadership. As the search for a new coach progresses, the college remains dedicated to upholding the high standards set during President's time. Both the men’s and women’s teams will continue to strive for excellence, driven by the successes they have experienced. The community looks forward to welcoming a new leader who can inspire further achievements and maintain the championship-winning tradition that has become synonymous with McPherson College tennis.