SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Sean Burns is resigning his position as the winningest head men's tennis coach in Santa Clara University history to pursue opportunities in private business, Director of Athletics and Recreation Cheryl L. Levick announced today.

"I've been considering a number of options in my life for quite some time and now is simply the time to take advantage of them," said Burns, who compiled a 130-91 record in nine seasons at Santa Clara. "If I were to continue to coach college tennis, there is no place I would rather coach that at Santa Clara. And, there is no other group of players I would rather coach than the team we have right now. Santa Clara will always have a special place in my heart and I have loved every minute of being here."

"Sean has done a great job in building our men's tennis program and we will certainly miss him," said Levick. "He inherited a team that had previously not achieved a great deal of success and built it into a program that is well-respected and nationally-ranked. We wish him well in all his future endeavors."

A 1988 graduate of the College of Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., Burns led the Broncos to eight winning seasons and produced 12 all-West Coast Conference selections. In each of the last three seasons, Santa Clara has been included in national rankings, peaking at a program-high 55th during the 2002 season. He was honored as the league coach of the year on four occasions, including this past season.

"Working at Santa Clara has been a tremendous experience for me," said Burns. "The greatest aspect of the job has been having the chance to work with an exciting new group of intelligent, driven and found young men each year. The next coach will be very lucky to have the opportunity to work with these current players who put together one of the school's best seasons ever this year, and a dynamic administration committed to winning.

"Though I am sad to leave the program while it is still in an exciting growing stage, I look forward to watching the continued progress of the team as a fan and loyal supporter."

Burns guided the Broncos to a nine-match turnaround in his first season, taking a team that went 3-18 the previous season to an 18-6 mark in 1994. In 1997, the Broncos set a school record by winning 75 percent of its dual matches and in 1999 advanced to the WCC Tournament championship match. Last season, Santa Clara achieved a program milestone by winning each of its 11 home matches.

Prior to joining the Bronco athletic staff in 1994, Burns played on the International Tennis Federation's Satellite Circuit and held a world ranking on the ATP Tour in 1992 and '93. He also served as a part-time assistant coach at his alma mater from 1988-'91. A native of Hillsborough, Calif., Burns also serves as a private tennis instructor and has coached numerous players on the Satellite and Futures circuits.