West Virginia has shortened its list of candidates to replace outgoing head tennis coach Marc Walters to five candidates, according to Athletic Director Oliver Luck.
Two candidates have already visited campus and interviewed for the position. Luck expects the remaining three to arrive in Morgantown today and Thursday.
Luck said he expects a decision to be made by the middle of the month. The Mountaineers begin their season Sept. 10 when they host the Martha Thorn Invitational.
In the meantime, new Associate Athletic Director of Compliance Keli Cunningham has been overseeing team activities and Graduate Assistant Monique Burton remains on staff.
Luck has consulted with Cunningham, Associate Athletic Director of Sports Development Terri Howes, Deputy Director of Athletics Mike Parsons and several upperclassmen student athletes about potential head coaching candidates.
"My sense is the student athletes and the university wants a quality coach with experience in Division I women's tennis," Luck said.
"All the coaches we've interviewed have been quality coaches with good track records."
According to Luck, all of the remaining candidates are currently employed by other Division I schools.
In last spring's season, the tennis team finished 17-7, bowing out to Notre Dame in the second round of the Big East Conference tournament.
"A lot of people look at our program as one that has been solid but not spectacular," Luck said. "There is some upside. They have respect for some of the Big East schools like Notre Dame, South Florida, Louisville and DePaul, who are taking some steps up.
"I think a lot of people look at the Big East and say there is no reason we can't be on that same level."
Walters resigned Aug. 20 to take a position with the Mountaineer Athletic Club. Walters finished his four-year career at his alma mater with a 54-46 record.
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