ATLANTA—Paul Danielson has announced he is stepping down from his role as Oglethorpe's tennis coach in order to spend more time with his family. His last day will be Friday, Oct. 18.

Assistant coach Francis Ali has been named interim head coach.

"Although it is always unfortunate to lose a strong and well-respected coach from your staff, I am pleased that Paul will be able to spend more time with his family," said Todd Brooks, Oglethorpe director of athletics. "Paul has been a wonderful part of our staff and he will be missed. We all appreciate his service for these past nine years."

Danielson became Oglethorpe's head coach prior to the 2019-20 season and achieved quick success in taking the Stormy Petrels to the NCAA Championships in 2021, the first-ever appearance on the national stage for the program. This followed Danielson leading the team to the Southern Athletic Association title the same year, for which he was named the SAA's coach of the year.

Prior to his five seasons as head coach, Danielson served as top assistant to long-time head coach and Oglethorpe Athletics Hall of Fame honoree Peter Howell. Danielson started under Howell in 2015, serving in that role for four seasons.

"I would like to thank Todd Brooks and the University for giving me the opportunity to coach both the men's and women's teams, two great teams," said Danielson. "Being on the court with the players has been the highlight of my time here. It has been truly amazing to watch them mature into extraordinary young adults right before my eyes. They are like my second family, but it is time for me to spend more time with my first family."

Oglethorpe's spring season is set to begin Saturday, Feb. 15, with a road dual match at Covenant. The first home match is set for the following Saturday, Feb. 22, against Huntingdon.