Jan. 4, 2007

Erie, Pa. - Mercyhurst College Athletic Director Pete Russo has announced the resignation of long-time tennis coach Ray Yost. Yost, who coached the men's and women's tennis teams for 14 years, is leaving to concentrate on his Spring Break Tennis business in Hilton Head, S.C. Current assistant coach Neil Leroy has been elevated to the head coach position for both programs.

Yost took over the women's team beginning in the 1994-95 season and began to build the program up. His teams finished better than .500 for five consecutive years beginning in the 2001-02 season, reaching the NCAA Playoffs in 2004 and 2005. The 2004 squad had a highwater mark record of 17-6. He had a career record of 134-130 with the women and was named conference GLIAC Coach of the Year in 2003. In 2001, Yost coached Natalie Paperella to a Freshman of the Year award.

Yost took over the men's program in 1995 and promptly won the East Regional Championship. His teams finished .500 or better for each of the past four seasons, making the NCAA Playoffs in both 2004 and 2005. He had a career record of 96-107 with the men and was named GLIAC Coach of the Year in 2005. As well, his No. 1 tennis player, Mariano Fava, was named GLIAC Player of the Year in 2005. Under Yost's tutelage, John Nicholls was named Freshman of the Year in 2000.

Yost will be leaving the Mercyhurst tennis programs to concentrate fully as the President of Tennis Unlimited, which owns and operates Spring Break Tennis on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Tennis Unlimited currently has a consulting contract with The Westwood Racquet Club, in Erie, PA., and management contracts with the Hidden Valley Resort in Somerset, PA and Fairview Recreation Authority in Fairview, PA. As well, he will serve as an Associate Professional with the International Tennis Academy at the Hilton Head Beach & Tennis Resort.

"Ray will be greatly missed by both the athletic department and the men and women that he coach," Russo stated. "He is always the ultimate professional."

Leroy takes over the position and has a wealth of experience. He began coaching the Gannon programs in 1995 until they were discontinued following the 1999 season.

A local standout, he played high school tennis for the Academy High School team from 1972-75, before moving on to Thiel College. At Thiel, Leroy played at number one singles and doubles for two seasons. He earned All-Presidents Athletic Conference accolades in 1977. He has continued to play actively and has won the Chris Bachelor Memorial men's doubles and the Great Lakes A singles tournament on multiple occasions.

He and his wife Jann reside in Erie and are the parents of three sons, Joel, Nathan and Bradley. Leroy is also the owner of All-American Trophy and Engraving.