Ankeny boys’ tennis coach Ron Miller has retired from his position after six seasons with the Hawks.
Miller announced his departure on Friday.
“After much deliberation and internal conflict, I have decided to retire from coaching at Ankeny,” Miller wrote in an email. “I know this is not a surprise to everyone, but it did take awhile to actually step down.”
Miller guided at least one player to the state tournament in each of the last three seasons. Dylan Victor qualified for the Class 2A singles tournament in 2024, Victor and Garrett Weichers advanced in doubles last year, and Weichers was a singles qualifier this spring.
Weichers will be back for his senior season in 2027, but he will be playing for a new coach.
“I think it will be a different look next year,” Weichers said. “It’s going to be strange to be at practice without (Miller) there. For most of our team it’s our senior season coming up. I know there are very good potential fits for the position, but we’ll wait and see what happens.”
Miller just felt like this was the right time for him to move on. His father recently passed away in Michigan, and he wants to spend more time with his family.
“It is the right decision for myself and (my wife) Mary,” he said. “Next spring we expect to take a couple trips to visit our kids or just to get away after the long winter.”
However, Miller still plans to stay involved with the sport.
“I will continue my work in Ames for some time, which includes coaching/teaching/training boys and girls year-round and my stringing and equipment sales business,” he said.