MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Georgia College & State University Director of Athletics Wendell Staton has announced that Steve Barsby will step down as the head men's and women's tennis coach after 26 years and transition to another position in the department, effective Sept. 1.

"Steve has had an incredible tenure leading our men's and women's tennis programs, establishing a standard of consistency, excellence, and success that is reflected in the wins, championships, and NCAA appearances," said Staton. "The academic achievements and multiple PBC Team Sportsmanship Awards further speak to the holistic experience he created for our student-athletes."

Barsby has been the head coach of the men's and women's tennis programs since the start of the 2000-01 season. Barsby won his 700th career match when the women defeated Valdosta State University 4-3 on April 18, 2025. Barsby, who amassed a 716-507(.585) overall record in 28 years as a head coach, has won multiple honors in the process. A 2009 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division II National Men's Coach of the Year, he has been named Region Coach of the Year once each for the men (2009) and women (2003), and Peach Belt Conference Coach of the Year twice on the men's side (2005, 2009) and once on the women's (2003).

"I was very blessed 26 years ago when Stan Aldridge entrusted me to lead the tennis teams at Georgia College and former coach Duward Whelchel welcomed me in like I was part of the family from day one," said Barsby.  "No regrets, just amazing memories and lifelong relationships that I will carry with me as I move in to my new role in administration.  Thank you to all the former players, coaching friends, my wife Debbie and my kids Ryan and Riley that have enabled me to live the dream both on and off the court."

Barsby coached the Bobcats to 34 NCAA Division II Tournament appearances - 20 women, 14 men - during his time in the Capital City. He guided the GCSU women to the 2003 PBC regular season and tournament titles and the men to the 2009 regular season title.

Barsby has also coached a Peach Belt Player of the Year and six players who were honored as the PBC Freshman of the Year. He has mentored 23 All-Americans (14 men, nine women) and 93 players (53 women, 40 men) who earned All-Peach Belt accolades during their careers.

Twenty-seven of his squads (18 women, nine men) were named All-Academic Teams by the ITA and 154 players (83 women, 71 men) were name Scholar-Athletes by the ITA.

"What stands out most to me are the things that never appear in a box score," said Staton. "I had the privilege of watching Steve build a true family culture within his programs. His student-athletes were constantly in and around his office, and more often than not, they were talking about life—not tennis. That impact extended well beyond graduation through career guidance, countless weddings, and alumni who continue to return to campus with their spouses and children from across the country and around the world.

"At the end of a coaching career, every coach hopes they have made a meaningful difference in the lives of the people they served." added Staton. "Steve has done that as well as anyone I have ever witnessed. The relationships he built and the lives he influenced will continue to provide him with what I would call "emotional paychecks" for decades to come—returns far more valuable than any victory or championship could ever provide."  

Barsby came to GCSU from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, were he taught sports management. Prior to that he was the head coach at Troy State University in Troy, Alabama from 1995-97 where he guided the Trojan men's tennis team to the conference championship in 1997. He was honored as the Mid-Continent Conference Coach of the Year following the 1997 season.

He earned his bachelor's and master's degree in physical education from Troy State in 1995 and 1997, respectively. He was a four-year tennis player for the Trojans, earning all-conference honors twice, as well as the Freshman of the Year award.

Barsby will begin his new role as the Associate Director of Athletics for Compliance and Business Operations Sept. 1. 

"Steve has been an invaluable asset to our organization over the years, bringing a rare combination of versatility, expertise, and sound judgment to every role he has taken on," said Staton. "We are excited to once again leverage his leadership and skill set as he oversees our compliance and business operations. His focus on operational excellence and efficiency will strengthen our organization and enable our coaches and staff to remain focused on what they do best—developing our student-athletes and competing for championships."

Current assistant coach Ashton Morrison will be elevated to interim head coach for the upcoming 2026-27 season.

What others are saying about Steve Barsby

"Coach Barsby was truly the best coach I could have asked for. He made our team feel like we were part of his family and always made it clear that he cared about us far beyond who we were as tennis players. He was so much more than a coach to me and had such a big impact on the person I became during those four years. He taught me so many lessons both on and off the court that I still carry with me today. Some of my favorite memories from college came from being part of his team, and I wouldn't trade those four years for anything. I'll always be grateful for the memories, the relationships, and the incredible college experience he gave me at GCSU." - former GCSU women's tennis player Katie (Krupp) Coughlin '16

"Coach Barsby is what Georgia College is all about—community, meaningful connections, and creating opportunities. Coming all the way from Germany, I am grateful for the lasting impact and many ways he shaped my experience at GCSU. Barsby created a truly special environment where teammates from all over the world could find a second family and a second home, forming lifelong friendships and memories that extend far beyond our time on the court. Twenty-six years is a remarkable legacy, and I feel incredibly fortunate and grateful to have been a small part of it. Congratulations on an exceptional career and everything you have given to this program, the GCSU community, and all of us who got to share this path with you. Go Bobcats!" - former GCSU men's tennis player Yannick Hass '16

"I want to congratulate Steve on a great career as Georgia College's tennis coach.  I have mixed emotions about this because I truly can call Steve my friend, and I will miss seeing him at tournaments and dual matches. Steve's career is more than a collection of wins, championships, and accolades - it is a legacy built on loyalty, leadership, and the lives he has impacted along the way.  For more than two decades, he has represented Georgia College tennis with passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.  His 700-plus victories are remarkable, but his greatest victories are measured in the players he developed, the teams he inspired, and the coaches and leaders he helped create.  Steve isn't simply a successful college tennis coach - he is one of the defining figures of collegiate tennis, and his legacy will endure long after the final match is played." - Columbus State University head men's and women's tennis head coach Evan Isaacs

About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life."