Sept. 22, 2006

PRINCESS ANNE, MD - A former Hawk has returned to take over the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) tennis program. Acting Director of Athletics Keith Davidson announced today that Wossen Makonnen will assume the position of head men's and women's tennis coach at UMES. He takes over the program from Doug Wright, who left to pursue other career opportunities.

"As a former Hawk I'm excited to take over the program," said Makonnen. "I have followed the program over the years and am impressed with the direction it is heading. The University has really grown since I played here."

Makonnen was a three year letterwinner under former Hawk tennis coach Beatrice Nelson and has taught tennis in the public parks, club and school settings. He was an assistant under Nelson for one year and was also a standout soccer player at UMES, playing for the maroon and gray for a season before the program was cut in 2000.

"Wossen brings a unique background to our program," said Davidson. "His familiarity with the university and with our players made him a strong candidate. He should do a great job working with our tennis team."

Makonnen, a native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, received a Bachelor of Science degree from UMES in 2000. He received a Master's degree in Applied Computer Science in 2005.