June 30, 2003

University of North Carolina women's tennis coach Jen Callen has resigned after two seasons to pursue other opportunities.

"I am getting married in August and my fiance' is employed in Boston where we plan to reside," says Callen. "I have had a wonderful opportunity here at UNC and wish to thank the University, my players and assistant coach Rebecca Dirksen for these two rewarding seasons."

Callen was named UNC's fourth women's tennis head coach on July 25, 2001. That appointment followed two years as head coach at Dartmouth. She attended the University of Virginia where she played from 1990-94. She was named one of the ACC's 50 greatest women's tennis players.

The Tar Heels posted two of their most successful seasons under her direction. In 2001-02, the Tar Heels won a school-record 25 matches, won its first ACC Tournament title since 1980, played in the NCAA Quarterfinals for the first time ever and was ranked No. 5 in the nation in the final poll. That was the highest end-of-season ranking in school history.

This past year, the Tar Heels went 19-9, again reached the NCAA Quarterfinals and was ranked No. 9 in the final national poll.

Kate Pinchbeck, who finished the season ranked 14th in the country, earned All-America honors in singles for the second consecutive season. Aniela Mojzis and Kendall Cline earned All-America honors in doubles after finishing the season eighth in the final ITA rankings.

"Jen led our program to two outstanding seasons, and it is disappointing to see her move on,"says Director of Athletics Dick Baddour. "However, I completely understand wanting to start a new chapter of her life in another setting. We wish her the best and will follow her career with interest and pride."