Kilmeny Waterman, women’s tennis coach at Kansas University for the past three years, has resigned her post, athletic director Lew Perkins announced Wednesday.

Replacing Waterman will be Amy Hall, who has served as KU assistant coach for the past six seasons.

“This was a very difficult decision because I love KU athletics and the people with whom I work,” Waterman said in a statement.

“However, it seems to be the right time to move on and explore different career opportunities.”

Waterman compiled a dual record of 35-29 over three seasons. A former KU assistant coach from 1992 to 1995, Waterman returned to KU from the University of Wyoming in the fall of 2000 as KU’s 11th women’s net coach.

She led the Jayhawks to a sixth-place conference finish her first year and a second-place finish in 2001-02 when Waterman was tapped league coach of the year. Last season, KU went 7-11 overall and fell to Colorado in the first round of the Big 12 Conference tournament.

“Amy Hall has proven that she is prepared to be the next women’s tennis coach at the University of Kansas,” Perkins said. “She is a talented, hard-working individual who has gained the respect of the student-athletes and the administration at KU.

“Her dedication and loyalty to the program over the past six years has paid off and I am confident that she will succeed in this position.”

With the help of Hall, KU has gone 79-60 in dual matches since the 1997-98 season. Prior to joining the KU staff, Murray State University graduate Hall spent two seasons at Eastern Kentucky as assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s programs.

“I am very excited about the opportunity to be the head women’s tennis coach at the University of Kansas,” Hall said. “Over the past six years I have had the privilege to work with three outstanding coaches (Waterman, Jenny Garrity and Roland Thornqvist who last year led Florida to a national title) and I believe that I am well prepared to take over the program.

“We have a talented group coming back, and although we will miss Kilmeny, we are eager to continue the proud tradition of Kansas tennis.”

Hall, a Henderson, Ky., native, said she contacted all returning players by phone or e-mail and they “seem ready to get started. They are saying, ‘OK, let’s move on.’ It’ll be a tough transition but also an exciting one, easier with a familiar face,” Hall added.

Hall would not address questions about Waterman, who was unavailable for comment. New AD Perkins does not comment on personnel matters.

“She will be great doing whatever she wants to put her mind to,” Hall said of Waterman.

Hall is looking forward to working for Perkins.

“I have met with him for him to find out about my background and tell me what he wanted out of a new head coach and what my expectations are,” Hall said. “I am very excited to work for him. I consider this a great opportunity, a dream come true, especially at KU.”

Waterman had been somewhat outspoken in the past about the need for home tennis courts. KU has to practice and play home matches in Topeka because of no suitable facility here.

“He definitely knows and is on track with all facilities at KU,” Hall said. “Eventually things will get started and he’ll wind up turning things around. He is very supportive.”