Waite Announces Her Resignation from Grinnell College

Grinnell, Iowa- Grinnell College women’s tennis coach Barb Waite has led the Pioneers to three straight conference tournament titles, but if the Pioneers are to make it four in a row it will be under the guidance of someone new.  Waite, who has been at Grinnell College since 2000, has announced her resignation which went into effect on June 1.

“She has done a great job as the women's tennis coach with the team winning three conference championships in her tenure as their coach,” said Director of Athletics Dee Fairchild.  “We will miss her, and we wish her the best in her new endeavors.”

During her tenure at Grinnell, the women’s tennis program has become an elite team in the conference as well as the region.  The team has made six straight appearances in the conference tournament and earned the conference’s first automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament this spring.  Grinnell has won 27 matches over the past three seasons, including a perfect 12-0 mark in conference play.

“I've enjoyed working with the students and my colleagues at Grinnell College,” said Waite.  “In many ways it feels like saying goodbye to a best friend at the end of summer camp.  But even though it will be different, I hope to watch the Pioneers continue to innovate, cooperate, and win the big one or strive to do so.”

In her final season as coach, the Pioneers captured four individual conference titles as well as one doubles title.  Waite has also served as an assistant coach for the Pioneer softball team for the past four seasons.

“I have fond memories from on and off the court and field,” Waite added.  “It's definitely special to watch someone serve their first ace or hit a game-winning homerun, but, it's those looks that say, ‘I got it!’ or ‘Aren't we having a great time?’ or ‘It's good to see you on this Monday morning,’ that I will miss the most.  I'm very grateful for my time at Grinnell.”