OU?s David Mullins to Retire from Coaching

NORMAN – University of Oklahoma head women's tennis coach David Mullins is stepping down from his role at Oklahoma and will retire from collegiate coaching, OU Vice President and Director of Athletics Joe Castiglione announced Wednesday.

"Coach Mullins informed me Tuesday that he has decided to leave the coaching profession and return to his native Ireland with his family," said Castiglione. "We sincerely thank him for his strong leadership during his eight years as our head women's tennis coach, for the program's competitive improvement on the court and for its academic achievement. We're extremely grateful for the job he did and wish him the best with his new and exciting endeavors."

Mullins, who has served as OU's head coach since 2008, guided the Sooners to five NCAA tournament appearances, five ITA regional championships and recorded three seasons with at least 17 victories during his tenure. He also earned ITA Central Regional Coach of the Year honors in 2014 after helping OU to one of its best seasons in program history with a top-20 finish in the final ITA rankings, as well a third-place finish in the Big 12 Conference.

In 2013, Mullins helped former Sooners Whitney Ritchie and Hermon Brihane become the first OU players to earn All-America honors since 1988. He also mentored Ana Maria Constantinescu to the 2009 Big 12 Player of the Year Award.

Mullins finished his career with a 121-103 record in his eight seasons at Oklahoma. His 121 victories rank second all-time at OU.

"I want to sincerely thank Joe Castiglione and (former OU senior associate athletics director) Greg Phillips for honoring me with this incredible opportunity eight years ago and for all their support through the years," Mullins said. "I also want to thank (assistant coaches) Brook Buck, Cristina Moros and Vincent "Boomer" Saia for all their hard work and dedication to the program. I absolutely could not have achieved what we did without their help. I am sad to leave Norman and the University of Oklahoma, but my family and I are also excited to return to Ireland to pursue other interests and passions. I have no doubt the next coach will build upon the foundation I have laid and I look forward to supporting the program from the other side of the world."

A national search will begin immediately to replace Mullins.

University of Oklahoma Athletics

OU?s David Mullins to Retire from Coaching

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