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Posted by 2001 grad
on 8/16/2025, 1:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Interim coach for tennis (not a hire from SDSU for once)"
Two responses
1) Tennis coach letter to boosters states she left because of treatment by and inability to work for Booby. Not that he had started taking anymore away (at that point). Was really clear.
Your speculation is incorrect per a booster who knows all.
2) There is no such CSU requirement for transition. Softball coach informed him she was leaving in May. Booby immediately declined to hire assistant (that HW then did hire as head coach) AND Booby hired new coach, yet again from SDSU, within a 3 week window. DAYS.
Tennis coach announced in early January. Some knew by mid December. Booby then names interim 8 MONTHS later. MONTHS.
Previous Message
Jenny's situation sucked, and when they kept taking more and more away from her control, she quit.
Temporary is probably not the right word, but any expedited hire goes through a hiring process the next year. It's happened for example every time we have hired a new XC coach. They get hired on as an expedited hire, but CSU bylaws require it to be "opened up" the next year with a search that includes another pool of candidates. It is clearly a ceremonial/administrative thing, but believe is required. I was there for it as an athlete and also in my time as a grad assistant. maybe its changed. Previous Message
It wasn't a case of "pissing Jenny off on the way out the door". It was an ongoing situation that finally resulted in her being fed up and quitting.
It is possible that Smitheran didn't want to commit to a long-term hire, but if he's got the idea to cut Women's tennis somewhere in the back of his mind, this let's him playa it both ways til then.
Also, you are not correct in your assessment that all first year coach hires are temporary. The University has in place a policy that allows them to do an expedite search for coaching positions. Previous Message
Why piss off Jenny on the way out the door and then keep her number 2? Why not do it as a succession plan for continuity with donors and athletes?
I fear what this looks like a year from now. I don't want to be right on this, just doesn't make sense. With all new coach hires the way it works on the CSU is typically their first year is a temporary/emergency hire as their isn't time for a CSU approved interview process. Then a search more in line with the rest of the university can occur. Previous Message
This may not be an entirely bad thing. Jenny wanted her assistant to get the job, but didn’t want to jeopardize his chances by stating it publicly. Hopefully, he does well enough to be hired on a permanent basis, or we go out and find an even better replacement. Previous Message
Reeks of the program being on the chopping block and it wouldn't be an isolated move. At least one mens team would have to get axed, right? Previous Message
Hilt-Costello announced her departure 8 months ago
Multiple choice
a) The SDSU asst turned them down (and I just looked, the long time head coach just retired so they promoted that assistant in May)
b) Interim leaves door wide open for cutting sport
c) cheap... like super cheap
d) All of the above Previous Message