Clarksville, Ark.- Bishop Bass has been named the interim head women's and men's tennis coach at University of the Ozarks, it was announced this week by the athletic department.
     
Bass was hired as the assistant coach on July 28, but will now replace Ryan Spencer, who accepted a coaching job at UT-Tyler.

"We are fortunate to be able to hire someone of his caliber," said athletic director Jimmy Clark. "He knows what it takes to be successful here. He is regarded as one of our top student-athletes during our NCAA III era and I believe he can carry that success into his coaching career. He values the NCAA III philosophy and recognizes the special attributes our education offers. I feel like his passion for tennis will set a great tone for both programs."

Bass, a native of Greenwood, was a four-time All-Conference player and is the program's all-time leader in singles wins (49) and doubles wins (48). 

"I am excited to be taking over a program that I played for and excited to build on a great program," said Bass. "I am looking forward to the adventure and the challenge.  I am thrilled to be diving into the sport that I love."

From 2012-2015, Bass posted a 49-9 singles mark for a .845 winning percentage, second-highest in school history. In doubles, he went 48-14 for a school record .774 winning percentage. Additionally, he holds the program record for most singles wins in a season with 14. During his playing career, he was named the Conference Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year, Conference Freshman of the Year and U of O Male Athlete of the Year.

He graduated from Ozarks with a bachelor's degree in business management in 2015.