Tennis coach steps down

In the midst of its third season since reinstatement, the Portland State tennis program is under the guidance of its third head coach.

Brian Parrott, nearly halfway through his second season as the men’s and women’s head coach, stepped down yesterday to pursue other ventures, according to a statement released by the school.

Assistant coach Jay Sterling has been tapped to take over in Parrott’s absence and will serve as interim head coach. Sterling, who came to Portland State a year ago last month, describes his promotion as bittersweet.

“It’s never fun to lose a coach, and we all liked Brian,” he said. “It’s not a fun way to get the job, but I’m still excited about it.”

Parrott, who has a background in promoting and directing tournaments, has organized three Davis Cup competitions in Portland and plans to continue working in event promotions. He came to Portland State in fall 2008 after former head coach Steve Ascher left to coach at the University of Montana.

Sterling came to Portland State from Atlanta, Ga., where he was an instructor at the Baskin-Ginepri Tennis Academy. Prior to that, he served as a year-round hitting partner for members of the University of Georgia women’s tennis team for three years. During that time, the Bulldogs made it to the NCAA quarterfinals twice and won an SEC Championship.

“Portland State is fortunate Jay has agreed to take on the head coaching duties. He brings good personal experience and a strong commitment to building the program’s success,” Athletic Director Torre Chisholm said.

Sterling takes over the tennis squads midseason but said he is excited for the remainder of competition.

“We’ve set some goals,” he said. “So now we need to go out and achieve them. This is a good lesson in working through adversity. There are life lessons in the things we’re going through now.”