Averett University

DANVILLE, Va. — Bobby Shields has stepped down as the Averett University men's and women's tennis coach.  In 2009, Shields led the men's team to a runner-up finish in the USA South tournament and guided the women's team to an upset in the conference tournament.

"Not many people get the opportunity to coach back at their alma mater," Shields said. "It was a privilege to be back at Averett and coach."

Shields, who also teaches fulltime in the Pittsylvania County school system, said that as the tennis programs grew, it became increasingly difficult to juggle all of his duties. However, Shields said that he wanted to walk away knowing that both programs were in good standing, and he felt that the timing was good to pass the torch to someone else.

"I want to continue to see the programs be successful and grow to even greater heights," Shields said. "I think we're in a position to see that happen."

Shields has been the coach of both teams since 2007, and he also served as the women's head coach from 1996 to 1999, leading the Cougars to conference titles in 1997 and 1999. He led the men's team to a USA South Conference regular season championship in 2007.

The conference named Shields the women's coach of the year in 1999 and he was selected as the men's coach of the year in 2007.

"We are very thankful to Bobby for his many years of loyal service to Averett University," Averett Director of Athletics Sam Ferguson said. "His teams have had some great success on the courts, but we're most impressed with the class in which his teams performed. We wish him nothing but the best and we know that he will remain a strong supporter of our programs."

Other highlights of his women’s tennis coaching career at Averett include mentoring Elina Tolppa, the No. 1 player in Division III from 1996 to 1998. Tolppa won a pair of ITA Rolex Singles National Championships with Shields' guidance. Shields also was an assistant for the Averett women’s tennis team from 1993 to 1996. During that time, the Cougars won two conference titles.

Shields, a native of Pittsylvania County, was also a successful student-athlete for the Cougars. He was a four-year member of the men’s tennis team under the direction of legendary coach and administrator Vesa Hiltunen. In 1983, Shields was the conference singles champion.