NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State University tennis coach Matthew Halfpenny has resigned his position to pursue other career opportunities, athletics director Marty Miller announced today.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Marty Miller and Mrs. Sherie Gordon for giving me this opportunity,” said Halfpenny. “I certainly enjoyed my time here at Norfolk State. Although it was brief, it gave me the opportunity to develop and grow in my career.

“Also, I would like to thank the entire athletic administration staff, the sports information staff, the sports medicine staff, and the strength and conditioning staff. Finally, I would like to thank my players and my assistant Torrie for their dedication and commitment to developing the Spartan tennis programs.”

Halfpenny spent the previous two years as the head coach of the program after taking over for Nathanial Warren in Aug. 2009.

In Halfpenny's second season at NSU in 2011, the men's team defeated Northern Division No. 1 seed Howard in the opening round of the MEAC tournament, while the women advanced to the tournament for the first time since 2008.

“Matt is a talented coach who will be missed at Norfolk State University,” said Miller. “He was able to improve the academic and athletic performances of the student-athletes in the men's and women's tennis programs and create a winning environment. We wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Today will mark Halfpenny's last day with the program. A search for a new tennis coach is currently underway.