KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Western Michigan University Athletics has announced that Ryan Tomlinson will be stepping down from his position as Head Women's Tennis Coach. Tomlinson has spent over two decades with the Broncos, first as a student-athlete, then as an assistant coach, before taking over the reins as head coach in 2015.  He leaves a lasting legacy of excellence and dedication to the Broncos.
 
"It was bittersweet to hear that Ryan would be hanging up his coaching sweats for an exciting opportunity in the private sector," said Dan Bartholomae, WMU Vice President and Director of Athletics.  "As one of our most distinguished tennis alumni, he leaves behind a legacy that will be both celebrated and missed, and he will always be a member of the Bronco Family."

As a former student-athlete for the Broncos, his deep-rooted connection to the institution was evident throughout his coaching career. Tomlinson's impact on the women's tennis program has been profound, and his legacy will be cherished for years to come.

As an assistant coach, Tomlinson played a pivotal role in the Broncos' success during the 2000s, contributing to four consecutive MAC regular season championships from 2005-08 and securing MAC Tournament titles in 2006 and 2007. During this stretch, he helped coach three MAC Players of the Year, nine First Team All-MAC selections, and eight Second Team All-MAC selections in his first stint with the Broncos, and was involved in the coaching and development of the top five players on the Broncos' overall wins list.

The 2009 season saw Tomlinson and the Broncos reach the MAC championship match for the fifth consecutive season, as well as senior Kerstin Pahl setting the MAC career records for overall wins (232) and singles victories (114). Pahl broke Western Michigan's career wins record in the process, passing her teammate Noriko Saruta, who had set the mark in the 2008 season.

In addition, he helped coach the only three Broncos to ever earn MAC Player of the Year honors in Frederika Girsang (2003), Malemn Remynse (2006), and Kerstin Pahl (2008),
Tomlinson took over as head coach in 2015, a year where the Broncos posted its best season in over a decade, going 15-9 overall and 7-1 in MAC play.  In total, Tomlinson led the Broncos to an overall record of 104-73 (37-28 MAC) during his eight seasons. He also coached three (3) First Team All-MAC and six (6) Second Team All-MAC selections, while having 34 All-MAC Academic selections.

Tomlinson was a four-year letter-winner for the Broncos men's tennis team, finishing his career with 179 victories. He played in 301 matches for the Brown & Gold and teamed with Steve Pillon to win a school record 88 doubles matches as a tandem. A two-time All-MAC selection, Tomlinson was a part of two MAC championship teams and two NCAA tournament squads.

"First of all, I want to thank my wife and three boys for their unwavering support through this decision. Second, I want to thank this great university for affording me the last 24 years as a student-athlete, assistant coach, and head coach," said Tomlinson.  "I also want to thank Betsy Kuhle for all her support and guidance over the years. Last but not least I want to thank all the past and current student-athletes. There is never a great time to step away but this new opportunity is one my family and I could not pass up. I will always and forever be a Bronco. Fight On!"
 
Assistant Coach Jimmy Beckwith has been named Interim Head Coach for the 2023-24 season and a national search will be conducted at the season's end.