Forester head men's and women's tennis coach Chris Kane officially announced Wednesday (June 23) that he will not return for a ninth year at Lake Forest College. Kane accepted an offer to be the head men's and women's tennis coach at NCAA Division I Western Illinois University. A search for his replacement will begin immediately.
Kane directed the Forester men's tennis team from 2003-10 and his 97-65 overall record makes him the program's career leader in victories with more wins than the next two coaches on the list combined. Lake Forest made three appearances in the four-team Midwest Conference Team Championship Tournament and was the runner-up two of the last three years. His 2007 team went 17-7 to tie the program record for victories and the 2010 squad shattered the mark with a record of 20-6.
Kane served as the associate head coach of the women's team in 2009 and helped lead the squad to a 10-6-1 record last fall. He took over as head coach after the season and would have directed the team in 2010.
Forester players have claimed conference titles at #1 singles, #3 singles, #5 singles, and #3 doubles with Kane on staff. They have also earned 21 Academic All-MWC accolades. In addition, his men's team was awarded for its sportsmanship at the 2010 MWC Championships.
A successful player in his own right, Kane's list of notable accomplishments includes three U.S. Tennis Championships, 15 various state titles, a top-10 national ranking as a junior tennis player, a California State High School Championship and a collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame, where he held the team's #1 singles and doubles positions.
"This was a very difficult decision to make," explained Kane. "Both programs at Lake Forest have had recent success and I was looking forward to being a part of even greater accomplishments in the near future. I also enjoyed working with the players here and wish them well as they continue their collegiate careers."
"I am very appreciative of Coach Kane and all he has done for our tennis programs," commented Lake Forest College Athletic Director Jackie Slaats. "While I am disappointed that he is leaving, I do understand the reasons and wish him well in his position at Western Illinois."
