May 30, 2002

WACO, Texas - Baylor Women's Tennis Coach Dave Luedtke announced Thursday he is resigning for personal reasons.

"This was a very difficult decision for me," Luedtke said. "There comes a time in every person's life when they have to make these kind of hard decisions, but I feel like it's the thing for me to do.

"I feel blessed for the experience of working with so many great people at Baylor. I am particularly going to miss the staff, the athletes, and my fellow coaches. This will give me the opportunity to spend more time with my two daughters and to pursue other tennis interests. I feel one of my strengths is as a teacher of the game and I plan to continue working with young people in the Central Texas area through junior programs and lessons."

"Dave was one of the first individuals to befriend me when I returned to Baylor," Athletic Director Tom Stanton said. "Our personal friendship is something I will always treasure. I respect Dave's decision and will support him in any future direction he chooses to pursue."

Luedtke led the Bears to the NCAA Tournament six times in 15 seasons at Baylor. He was selected the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 1997, and three times was named Southwest Region Coach of the Year (1996, 1997 and 2000).

Luedtke, who led the Bears to the 2001 NCAA Sweet 16, concludes his Baylor career with a 212-136 record. He joined Baylor in 1987 after coaching as an assistant at Wisconsin-Oshkosh, his alma mater.

Baylor plans to initiate a nationwide search for a successor immediately.