WORCESTER, Mass. – Holy Cross Director of Athletics Kit Hughes has announced that Mike Lucas has retired as the Crusaders' head women's tennis coach to focus on his position as superintendent of the Oxford Public Schools, which he began last year.

"It has been a tremendous experience getting to coach and mentor so many great student-athletes over the years," said Lucas. "I am blessed, and appreciate all the time and efforts they have put into our tennis program. I always believed that our team served as a second family for our players while they were at Holy Cross. We wanted our program to be competitive, but also be a great experience with academics and personal growth as the priorities. To see the lasting friendships and relationships that players have developed over the years is truly priceless and rewarding, and I am very thankful. I look forward to assisting with the transition to the next coach as we have a wonderful team that is ready and excited to compete next year."

Lucas served as the Crusaders' head coach for 18 years, from 1999-2009 and 2014-2022. His team posted the first Patriot League Tournament victory in program history in 2016 with a 4-2 win over Lafayette in the first round, and won the New England Championship in 2002-2003 while posting an overall record of 18-2. In addition to coaching the Crusader women, Lucas spent seven seasons as the head coach of the Holy Cross men's tennis team from 2002-2009.

"I would like to thank Mike Lucas for his leadership and dedication to Holy Cross and our tennis program throughout his tenure," said Hughes. "Mike has been committed to supporting and developing our student-athletes on and off the court, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors."

A national search for the Crusaders' next women's tennis head coach will begin immediately. 

ABOUT HOLY CROSS ATHLETICS
Holy Cross boasts 27 NCAA Division I teams as members of the Patriot League, Atlantic Hockey Association and the Women's Hockey East Association. Holy Cross' athletic teams are tied for first in the nation with an overall graduation rate of 99 percent, the second straight year in which the Crusaders have led the nation and the 15th consecutive year at 97 percent or higher. 

ABOUT HOLY CROSS
The College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts — the second-largest city in New England — is among the nation's leading liberal arts institutions. A highly selective, four-year, exclusively undergraduate college of 3,100 students, Holy Cross is renowned for offering a rigorous, personalized education in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition, and is one of only 85 colleges in America that meets 100% of students' demonstrated financial need. Holy Cross has made a positive impact in society since its founding in 1843 by graduating students who distinguish themselves as thoughtful leaders in business, professional and civic life.

FOLLOW THE CRUSADERS 
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