2013-14 PBC Yearbook July 2014 | Page 52

age. He directed the Pirates to nine NCAA Division II national championships, winning the crown six times with the women in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013, while also winning three with the men, in 2008, 2009 and 2012. “It’s been 16 great years for me and my family,” Earnshaw said. “I was at Armstrong through the 16 most important years of my life so far. I think, initially, the goal was to just win another national championship, then somehow, someway we managed to understand what it took to really push the program over the top, and the last seven years we have put ourselves in position every year to get that championship experience. “I think Armstrong tennis has become a tremendous position and situation for anyone,” Earnshaw said. “It’s in extremely good shape moving forward with or without me. I think we’ve established ourselves as the top overall tennis program in the nation outside of Division I.” The Armstrong women’s tennis team especially enjoyed unparalleled success over the last nine seasons under Earnshaw. The Pirates won 270 of 280 matches played in this stretch, including the six National Championships in 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012 & 2013. Armstrong has also not lost a home match in Savannah since 2003, a span of 137 consecutive matches, as well as a streak of 123 consecutive regular season Peach Belt Conference matches, also dating back to 2003. “I want to thank Simon for his dedicat