After leading the Sycamore women's tennis team to three-straight winning seasons and a conference championship, coach Malik Tabet has been promoted to interim director of tennis.
Tabet has coached the women's program at Indiana State for the past four seasons and took over the men's position this fall after the resignation of men's coach Jonas Piibor.
Tabet has been the interim head coach of both the men's and women's programs since late September.
The change in title for Tabet will include more of an overseeing of the program in addition to coaching.
"Basically I will be in charge of both teams and will coordinate the traveling, fundraising and recruiting, as well as coach," Tabet said.
Even with being in charge of two collegiate programs, Tabet feels that the workload will not be an issue.
"The toughest part is to get up-to-date with the men's program. Thanks to very few conflicts, I will have to do a lot more traveling and I will be at every men's and women's match," Tabet said. "I have been in a position similar to this at a previous school, so I know what I am getting into."
Overall, Tabet feels that any changes will be few and far between, and fans should not notice much of a difference.
"I don't think there will be any noticeable differences. If anything it will be in the coaching and playing style. The players will hopefully be a little more disciplined," Tabet said.
The players have also transitioned very well as a result of the new position.
"They already knew who I was and know that I am very strict in my coaching style, so the transition has went very smooth," Tabet said.
Tabet also said that after the start of the year he will be bringing an assistant coach on board to help out with the load of both programs.
"At the conclusion of the season, the athletic director and myself will sit down and decide whether or not I will continue with this position next season."
The women's team will begin its spring season with a dual meet against Butler University on January 17.
The men's program will next compete in the MVC individual championships on Jan. 23, before starting its dual meet season on Feb. 6, at home against the Hawkeyes of Iowa University.
( Blaine Kinsey is a sophomore communication major. He can be reached at sasspted@isugw.indstate.edu.)
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