Ryan Heinberg, who joined Santa Barbara City College in 2010, has resigned as SBCC men’s tennis coach to pursue other opportunities. In 2012, Coach Heinberg led the Vaqueros to their best season in his three years at the helm with an 8-3 overall record. They tied for second place in the Western State Conference at 5-3.
“As a former tennis student-athlete at Duke University, Ryan brought a strong background and dynamic coaching skills to our men’s tennis team,” said Ryan Byrne, SBCC Athletics Department Director. “He provided stability to the men’s tennis program and was a staunch advocate for all student athletes. We wish him the best for the future.”
In light of this development, which occurred immediately prior to the start of the tennis season, the SBCC Men’s Tennis program has been suspended indefinitely. “The Athletics Department is taking the opportunity to re-evaluate our slate of intercollegiate offerings and will respond to meet the growing interests and abilities expressed by students in emerging areas of sport,” said Mr. Byrne.
The primary mission of the Athletics Department is to provide a platform for students reach their academic goals. “With declining retention rates and local interest in Intercollegiate Men’s Tennis over the past decade, the college is evaluating other intercollegiate offerings that more effectively meet the direction of the interests and abilities expressed by the student population,” he added.
SBCC Intercollegiate Athletics is a model student success program as demonstrated by increased number of academic units completed, higher GPAs and more earned degrees and higher transfer rates by student-athletes when compared to other full-time students.
“We appreciate the community’s ongoing support of the Vaqueros and will keep everyone up-to-date on our progress and any changes,” said Mr. Byrne.
