McLean County Times

Illinois State University has announced a change in leadership for its men's tennis program. Maja Kovacek, who has been the head coach of the women's tennis team, will now also lead the men's team. This transition follows the departure of Mark Klysner to Tennessee Tech.

"Maja has brought a winning mentality to our women's tennis program over the last decade plus and has returned it to the top of the Valley with her steady leadership," said Dr. Jeri Beggs, Illinois State Director of Athletics. "As a three-time coach of the year and someone who has watched her teams succeed on and off the court, we believe Maja is the perfect fit to mentor our men's tennis program and help a group of talented returning student-athletes achieve at high levels in the Summit League and beyond."

Kovacek's tenure with Illinois State's women's tennis team spans 12 seasons, during which she accumulated a 146-88 dual match record and a 48-17 record in Missouri Valley Conference play.

"I'd like to thank Dr. Jeri Beggs and Scott Renfro for the opportunity to lead the men's program and for the support they have shown me during my time here at ISU," Kovacek stated. "I'm excited to work with a great group of young men as I continue to do my best to give all my student-athletes the best experience on and off the court."

Under Kovacek's guidance, Illinois State's women's team achieved significant success, including three regular season titles, two NCAA Tournament appearances, and an impressive 41-5 record in league play over eight seasons. Her leadership earned her MVC Coach of the Year honors multiple times.

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