Clarksville, Ark.- The University of the Ozarks Athletic Department has removed the interim tag from Women's and Men's Tennis Coach Bishop Bass.

Athletic Director Jimmy Clark announced the promotion on Friday as Bass officially becomes the head coach after a short stint as interim.  

Bass has deep ties to Ozarks. He starred on the tennis team from 2012-2015, posting a 49-9 singles record to become the program's all-time leader in singles wins. A four-time All-Conference player, he also holds the program record for most doubles wins with 48.

"I am extremely proud to take over the men's and women's tennis programs," said Bass. "I want to thank the athletic staff and the rest of the university for putting their trust in me to lead these two groups. It is great to be coaching the program where I competed a few years back. I am excited for the challenge ahead. Once an Eagle, always an Eagle!"

According to Clark, Bass has quicky established himself as a top recruiter and a respected coach among the tennis coaching community.

"Coach Bass has demonstrated the ability to lead our program in just a short time," said Clark. "He is definitely a coach on the rise and is respected within the tennis coaching circles. I believe he will lead both programs to many accomplishments. As an alum, he takes great pride in the program and wants it to be successful."

Clark believes that the combination of Bass and the university's Alexander-Boreham Tennis Center, great things can be achieved by both programs. 

"This is among the best NCAA III tennis centers in the country," said Clark. "Our student-athletes have a big advantage using the PlaySight technology. I'm excited to see Coach Bass advance his athletes' skill level using this awesome facility and technology." 

A native of Greenwood, he earned his bachelor's degree in business management in 2015.