Pierre Pilote Resigns as Director of Tennis after 22 years Coaching
Stetson Director of Tennis, Pierre Pilote, has announced his resignation after 22 years of coaching with the Hatters, Director of Athletics Jeff Altier announced today.
Pilote, the 2015 Atlantic Sun Conference Coach of the Year in women’s tennis, has accepted a position as the Executive Director of Tennis at the Shanghai-based American College Development Services.
“I want to thank the entire Stetson University community for being ‘my family’ away from home for the past 22 years,” said Pilote. “I want to thank all who have made me feel so comfortable over my career. I have been truly blessed to have been involved on a daily basis with such good people. But foremost, I want to thank all the special men and women who made coming to work each day such a pleasure. I am so proud of their successes in their post-college lives, both professionally and personally.”
“Pierre took over the men’s tennis team in 1993, and his impact was immediate and unforgettable,” said Altier. “As a leader, he taught commitment, personal discipline, and the skills of tennis as he created an environment which promoted success. Because of his guidance it wasn’t long before the men’s tennis team became the highest performing team in the classroom. A couple of years later the athletic success of the team followed suit. Over the years Pierre has coached both the men’s and women’s teams and regardless of gender his impact is always the same, when he is in command, academic and athletic successes are guaranteed.”
Pilote has served as men’s head coach since he arrived in DeLand in 1993, and added the dual responsibility of women’s head coach prior to the 2011-12 season. On March 9, Pilote earned his 400th men’s coaching victory when Stetson defeated Lehigh, 4-0. Pilote finishes his Stetson career with an overall record of 492-195 (.716), including 406 men’s victories.
“Pierre is a tremendous professional,” said Altier. “Over the years he has gained the reputation of being the coach most knowledgeable of NCAA rules, and the recruitment of international student athletes. Pierre has been a great coach for Stetson University.”
During his 22 years with the Hatters, Pilote coached a total of 47 Atlantic Sun all-conference performers, 26 all-freshman selections, and six A-Sun Players of the Year.
The success of the Hatters under Pilote certainly wasn’t only on the court; the Stetson tennis programs excelled in the classroom as well. The men’s team was named an ITA All-Academic Team nine times, including each of the last six seasons, while the women’s team earned the honor seven times, including each of the last three seasons.
A total of 65 men and 44 women were named an ITA Scholar-Athlete for achieving a GPA of 3.50 or higher the season under Pilote. In only four years of existence, the A-Sun Academic All-Conference Team – which recognizes success on and off the court – has been home to five Hatters: Njal Stene (2012), Maksim Levanovich (2012), Chester Espie (2013, 2014, 2015), Diana Bukajeva (2014), and Carolina Meregalli (2015).
