MARSHALL, Minn. - Southwest Minnesota State University Director of Athletics Chris Hmielewski announced today that George Seldat, head women's tennis coach at SMSU, has decided to retire after 16 seasons as the team's head coach. 

“For over fifty years tennis has been a significant part of my life and retirement from coaching is one of life's more difficult decisions, but it is the right decision for me and my family at this time in my professional life,” Seldat said.  “The experience of coaching the SMSU women's tennis team has been extremely gratifying over the past sixteen years and I will miss working with the wonderful athletes that I have had the privilege to coach.”

Seldat was named head coach on Dec. 1, 1994, and led the program for 16 seasons, compiling an overall record of 85-156, including 39-46 in NSIC play.  During his tenure, Seldat coached three NSIC No. 1 singles champions, three NSIC No. 1 doubles champions, a two-time NSIC Player of the Year and two NSIC Seniors of the Year. 

“The tremendous support of my family, colleagues and the SMSU administration has been vital to the success we have experienced,” Seldat said.  “I have tried to instill in our athletes the joy of competing and to embrace the concept that pressure that comes from practice, competition, and academic pursuits is a privilege.   It has been a wonderful journey and I thank everyone for their assistance and commitment to helping develop a strong and viable program in women's tennis. I feel confident that this support will continue and women's tennis will continue to grow at SMSU.”

“George has had a successful sixteen years at the helm of Mustang women's tennis,” Hmielewski said.  “His hard work and dedication to the sport of tennis will truly be missed within the SMSU Athletics Department.  George took great pride in the skill development of his student-athletes, the individual and team successes earned during competition and most importantly the impressive grade point average his student-athletes have displayed in the classroom throughout the years.”

Hmielewski announced a replacement for head coach would be named in the next few days.

SMSU finished the 2010 season 9-11 overall and finished seventh in the NSIC with a record of 4-6.