PORTLAND, Ore. - Lewis & Clark College Athletics Director Clark Yeager announced today that longtime men's and women's tennis coach Gundars "TIl" Tilmanis will be leaving the college at the conclusion of the season.

Tilmanis has been a part of the athletics department for 20 years, starting as an instructional coach in 1990. He went on to become co-coach of the women's team and eventually head coach of both programs during the 2001 season.

"Til is a tremendous teacher of the game of tennis and has been an ambassador for the sport and the College throughout the world for many years," Yeager said. "We will miss his kindness and humor and wish him the best of health and happiness in this new phase of his life.".

During his time at Lewis & Clark, Tilmanis has coached several Northwest Conference All-Conference players, including Sara Schipani and Amalia Nilsson. Both Schipani (2000 and 2003) and Nilsson (2008 and 2009) are two-time Northwest Conference Player of the Year winners.

Tilmanis' commitment to character and sportsmanship has also been evident in the accomplishments of his players, with Nilsson and teammate Whitney DeBree earning NWC Sportsman of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons. Joy Leising was the first player under Tilmanis to earn the honor in the 2001 season.

Shortly after taking over the men's program, Tilmanis made the Pioneers a consistent contender in the post-season tournament for several seasons. The women's team has been a on an upward climb since Tilmanis took over, finishing third in 2010.

Yeager said Lewis & Clark is now searching for its next tennis coach. "I am confident we will attract a coach who is a top recruiter, teacher and mentor who can help us provide our students with the highest-quality intercollegiate athletics experience," Yeager said.