Springfield, Ohio – Following a national search, Wittenberg University Director of Athletics and Recreation Gary Williams has announced that Nick Rohner will become the Tigers’ new head coach for men’s and women’s tennis. He replaces Justin Stuckey, who resigned in July to accept the same position at McPherson College.
Most recently, Rohner was an assistant coach at his alma mater, Central College, an NCAA Division III institution located in Pella, Iowa. He had been involved in all aspects of the program since graduating from Central in 2008.
“Nick impressed me and our search committee with the perfect balance of competitive spirit and proven tennis teaching and playing success with an unwavering commitment to personally develop and support our men and women on our tennis teams,” Williams said. “We are all excited to see the impact he will make on our teams and university and the service he can provide through the sport of tennis for the greater Springfield community.
“Nick has tremendous potential to be a dynamic coach and leader here and we feel very fortunate he has accepted this opportunity. We believe that the future of our tennis programs will be brighter and stronger under Nick’s direction, and I am proud to welcome Nick to Wittenberg.”
In six seasons as Central’s assistant coach, Rohner helped guide the Dutch men’s team to winning records three times and at least 10 victories each season, while the Dutch women posted winning records five times in that span. As a player, Rohner was a four-year letterwinner, and as a senior he finished second in his flight in both the singles and doubles competitions hosted by the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
Rohner has also served as director of junior programming for the Pella Tennis Association since 2011, and he has provided individual and group instruction to youth and adults of all ability levels as a private tennis coach since 2006. He is a licensed teaching professional by the United States Professional Tennis Association.
“I am incredibly humbled and excited by the opportunity to join the Wittenberg staff as the new women’s and men’s tennis coach,” Rohner said. “Coach Stuckey recruited an excellent group of student-athletes, and I’m itching to develop and solidify both programs at the top of the NCAC.”
Rohner earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Central in 2008, and he also holds a master’s degree in sport and recreation sciences from Ohio University, earned in 2012. He will start his new position at Wittenberg on Sept. 1.
Written By: Ryan Maurer