Emporia State Director of Tennis John Blackburn will take over as the women’s head coach in 2026. Blackburn was already coaching the men after arriving as sport director in 2023. He replaces CyCy Peyroche who departed as head coach of the Lady Hornets this summer. Blackburn has led the Hornets to a 29-25 overall record in his tenure. He’s coached women at multiple previous stops including at Methodist University in North Carolina. There he led the Monarchs to a 117-58 record with three regular season conference titles. Peyroche stepped down in July following four years leading the Lady Hornets including one as the interim men’s and women’s coach. The Lady Hornets went 29-46 under her direction with a 10-24 mark in MIAA play.
Blackburn Adds Women’s Tennis Duties at ESU
ESU Director of Tennis John Blackburn (center) coaches from the sideline. Courtesy ESU Athletics.
