17-Jan-2024
Pytko Eager to Bring National Success Back to UC Santa Cruz
Ross Pytko was hired in August as the sixth men’s head coach in UC Santa Cruz program history. He has also been serving as the interim head coach for the women’s program. In a Q&A, he discusses his goals for the programs and how his own playing background helps his coaching.
9-Aug-2023
McEnroe Brothers Prepare to Make History in Africa
Hall of Famer John McEnroe and his brother Patrick McEnroe, both former Stanford stars and renowned broadcasters, are preparing to make history by playing in the first-ever tennis match in the Serengeti in Africa as part of a safari expedition from Dec. 1-8.
28-Oct-2022
Sturner Ascends From BU Captain to Business Owner
Former Boston University team captain Ben Sturner credits his college experience for helping him build a successful business career. Sturner is the CEO and Founder of Leverage Agency. He is also the father of a young tennis player. He details that and more in a recent interview.
13-Sep-2022
Former Hurricane Hechtman Finds Joy Coaching Williams Sisters
Former University of Miami team captain Eric Hechtman has spent the past few months coaching Venus and Serena Williams. Hechtman began coaching Venus in 2019 and started working with Serena earlier this year before she announced plans for her likely retirement.
29-Aug-2022
Coaching Corner: Ron Gendron Moves to Nichols College
After 16 years coaching the Bryant University men's program, Ron Gendron recently stepped down to become the new head coach for the men’s and women’s programs at Division III Nichols College. He discusses the move and his goals for the future.
8-Feb-2018
Boe-Wiegaard Takes The Helm At Sacred Heart
William Boe-Wiegaard was named the head coach for the Sacred Heart men’s and women’s tennis teams last September. As Boe-Wiegaard guides Sacred Heart through the first few dual matches, TRN correspondent Harry Cicma spoke to the former NCAA Division III national champion about entering the coaching ranks.
18-Jan-2017
Talking with Hawaii Pacific's Lauren Conching
For the past ten seasons, the Hawaii Pacific Sharks have advanced to
the NCAA Division II National Championships - the past five with Head
Coach Lauren Conching at the helm. Conching, the ITA/Wilson Tennis
National Coach of the Year in 2013, has led the program to three Final
Four appearances in her five seasons. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports had
the chance to talk with Conching about her experiences coaching
college tennis.
4-Oct-2016
Quick Take with Former Western Illinois Standout Justin Junck
Justin Junck graduated in 2003 from East High School in Sioux City,
Iowa. After playing college tennis for one season at Nebraska, where
he played No. 5 and 6 singles and No. 1 doubles, Junck transferred to
Western Illinois, where he played at the top of the lineup his last
three years, earning Mid-Con All-Conference honors. Harry Cicma of NBC
Sports asked Junck a few questions about his experience at WIU and
advice for junior players.
24-Feb-2016
Conversation with Former Penn State Star Brad Fielding
Penn State University has a storied history when it comes to
athletics, with their current chapter in the Big 10 conference
starting in 1990. Former Nittany Lion standout Brad Fielding was one
of the stalwarts of the tennis program, playing No. 1 in both singles
and doubles during his career between 1987 and 1991 while helping lead
Penn State into its new conference home. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports
got the chance to catch up with Fielding about what college tennis means
to him ...
25-Jun-2015
Conversation with Trinity Star Scott Levy
Scott Levy played tennis for Trinity College in Connecticut back in
the early 2000s, where he was a big contributor for the Bantams.
During his senior season in 2004, Levy posted a 14-2 record in singles
and - with partner Jimmy Ames - a 10-3 mark in doubles. Levy graduated
with career marks of 49-27 in singles and 22-9 in doubles with Ames.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports chatted with Levy about his experiences with
junior and college tennis...
28-Mar-2015
Countdown: Conversation with Williams Champ Urban
It's been a few years since Lex Urban walked the campus of Williams
College in Massachusetts. Back in the early 2000s, Urban served as
captain of the Ephs Men's Tennis Team that won the NCAA Division III
National Championship in both 2001 and 2002. After graduating, Urban
spent a year doing community service in AmeriCorps - and he now is a
practicing lawyer in Washington, DC. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports chatted
with Urban about all things college tennis...
3-Feb-2015
Conversation with Former Arkansas Standout Aleksey Bubis
Aleksey Bubis was a top junior tennis player from Palm Harbor,
Florida, in the late 1990s - making the rounds on the USTA Junior
National Circuit. Bubis went on to play college tennis at the
University of Arkansas, where he starred from 1999 to 2003 - still
appearing the the Razorback Record Book for his 28-10 mark
during the 2000-01 season. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports got the chance
to catch up with Bubis at a recent tennis event.
15-Jan-2015
Q&A with Ed Silver of Penn
Edward Silver was a standout junior tennis player and student when
he enrolled at the University of Pennsylvania for the 2002-03 season.
Silver was known for his work ethic and perserverance as a member of
the Penn squad. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently got the chance to
talk with Silver about topics around college tennis.
5-Nov-2014
Countdown: Q&A with Alexandria Livingston of Saint Peters
In 2010, Alexandria Livingston was a standout tennis player at
Columbia High School in Maplewood, N.J., who had committed to Saint
Peter's University. Fast forward four years, and Livingston has
completed her college tennis career and graduated from Saint Peter's.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently talked with Livingston about her
college tennis experience.
31-Jul-2014
Conversation with Tech Assistant Coach Derek Schwandt
Georgia Tech Assistant Coach Derek Schwandt has done it all - a
two-time All-Atlantic 10 player in college at Richmond, three years on
the ITF futures and ATP challengers tour, and a top college assistant
coach. Schwandt is also a coach of the USTA Collegiate National Team -
a training program that helps top American college players transition
to professional tennis. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently talked
with Schwandt about all things tennis.
18-Jul-2014
Conversation with Former D-III Champion William Boe-Wiegaard
Former Bates standout William Boe-Wiegaard had one of the more amazing
runs in NCAA Division III tennis. He is the only Bobcat ever to be an
All-American all four years in college, and he capped things off with
an amazing run to the NCAA singles title his senior year as an
unseeded player. Since graduating, Boe-Wiegaard has been involved with
tennis as an instructor, and he has been competing professionally
since 2011. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports caught up with Boe-Wiegaard.
29-Jun-2014
Conversation with UConn's Sam Sutherland
Stability has been a watchword of UConn tennis. Glenn Marshall, who
now serves as Director of Tennis, has overseen the tennis programs for
21 years. Michael Louis '04 took over as head coach of the men's
tennis program prior to the 2013-14 season. One of Louis' teammates as
a player at UConn was sam Sutherland '05, a standout from Tampa,
Fla. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports, who served as the commentator for
the live webcast of the 2014 NCAA Tournament, caught up with
Sutherland.
8-Jun-2014
Q&A with USC senior Ray Sarmiento
Last month, USC won its 21st NCAA title in men's tennis - and the
school's 100th NCAA title overall. The Tennis Trojans were led by
senior Ray Sarmiento, who was named the tournament's Most Outstanding
Player. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports, who served as the commentator for
the live webcast, talked with Sarmiento after the event.
29-May-2014
Quick Take with John McEnroe
If you look at the top American men on the professional stage, you'll
notice a common thread - most of them played college tennis. One of their
forerunners was John McEnroe, who attended Stanford for a year and won
the NCAA singles title before moving on to the professional ranks.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports asked McEnroe a few questions with a college
focus recently in New York.
11-Mar-2014
Conversation with UNLV's Owen Hambrook
UNLV's Owen Hambrook is now in his eleventh season as head coach of
the Runnin' Rebels men's tennis program. Hambrook, who led the program
to its first-ever Mountain West championship, took the 2012-13 squad
to a 17-7 overall record and a final ranking of No. 62. NBC's Harry
Cicma caught up with Hambrook to talk tennis, Las Vegas, and
recruiting.
10-Feb-2014
Conversation with South Dakota's Malcolm Gilreath
University of South Dakota coach Malcolm Gilreath is in his tenth
year at the helm of the USD women's tennis team. Gilreath is one of
the most successful coaches in Coyote history - leading the program
to 110 dual match victories. His 2012-13 team finished the season
at 16-11 and reached the semifinals of the Summit League conference
tournament. NBC's Harry Cicma talked with Gilreath about coaching
and recruiting at USD.
30-Nov-2013
Talking with Columbia's Howard Endelman
NBC's Harry Cicma was one of the announcers at the USTA/ITA
National Indoor Championships held last month. One of the big stories was the
doubles championship earned by the hometown Columbia Lions. Cicma
chatted with Associate Head Coach Howard Endelman about tennis and
recruiting at Columbia.
17-Nov-2013
Talking with UCLA's Robin Anderson
NBC's Harry Cicma was one of the announcers at the USTA/ITA National
Indoors last week in New York. Cicma chatted with defending champion
Robin Anderson of UCLA, who reached the final before dropping the
championship match 6-3, 6-2 to UNC freshman phenom Jamie Loeb. Check
out what the UCLA junior had to say...
8-Nov-2013
Countdown: Talking with BC Alum Justin Slattery
Justin Slattery played for Boston College from 2000 to 2004, playing
No. 1 singles and doubles throughout his career and serving as team
captain. Harry Cicma of NBC News caught up with Slattery, who reflects
on his time at BC and what the college experience means to him.
2-Oct-2013
Talking with Wisconsin Assistant Coach Matt Manasse
Matt Manasse finished his college tennis career at Purdue in 2011. After a
two-year stint with Babolat in charge of their Competition Team,
Manasse is back in the Big 10, having accepted a position as assistant
coach for the women's tennis program at Wisconsin. Harry Cicma of NBC
News talked coaching and recruiting with Manasse.
6-Jun-2013
Talking with James Blake
Former Harvard standout and ATP pro James Blake is one of the most
prominent American tennis professionals. NBC's Harry Cicma got the
chance to talk with Blake about college tennis, American tennis, and
his charitable works.
29-May-2013
Talking with UVa's Mitchell Frank
It didn't take long for Virginia sophomore Mitchell Frank to drop his
first set at No. 3 singles in the NCAA Team Championship match by a
6-0 score. But Frank regrouped to win the second set 6-4. Then, after
UCLA's Adrien Puget accidentally stepped on the net on championship
point to keep UVa's hopes alive, Frank came back from 3-5 to clinch
the title for the Cavaliers with a 0-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory. NBC's Harry
Cicma caught up with Frank after the match.
7-May-2013
Catching Up with Steve Johnson
A year ago, Steve Johnson was wrapping up his senior year at USC as
arguably the most decorated player in NCAA history with his second
second straight NCAA singles title and fourth straight NCAA team
title. Fast forward a year, and Johnson has made a strong start to
his professional career, working his ATP singles ranking up to
No. 128 in the world. Harry Cicma recently chatted with Johnson
about his future - as well as his college tennis memories.
24-Apr-2013
Talking with Jay Goldman
Jay Goldman was a standout tennis player for the Arizona Wildcats
between 2007 and 2011. At Arizona, Goldman competed primarily at the
top of the lineup. Goldman traveled to Tucson following a
storied junior career out of Worceser, Mass., and the IMG Academy
Tennis Program. Harry Cicma got the opportunity to catch up with
Goldman and discuss college tennis.
27-Feb-2013
Talking with Andrew Chmura
After success as a junior and college tennis player, Andrew Chmura has
built an adult career around the game. Chmura competed on the
satellite tour, has taught and encouraged tennis play, and he is
currently the president of Grand Slam Tennis Tours. Harry
Cicma caught up with Chmura to talk tennis - past and present.
20-Feb-2013
Conversation with Notre Dame Coach Bobby Bayliss
After 44 years coaching college tennis - the past 26 of those as head
men's coach at Notre Dame - Bobby Bayliss plans to retire after the
2012-13 season. Bayliss, currently the winningest active coach in NCAA
Division I tennis with 751 dual-match victories, has built the Irish
into an NCAA contender with 21 appearances in the NCAA Championships
over the past 22 seasons. Harry Cicma talked with Bayliss
about his career.
24-Dec-2012
Talking with Endicott Coach Jeremy Howard
Jeremy Howard, former standout for the University of Richmond tennis
team, has recently taken over as the head coach of men's and women's
tennis at Endicott College in Mass. Contributor Harry Cicma talked
with Coach Howard about how he will approach his first college
coaching assignment - and the challenges of heading up both the men's
and women's programs.
3-Dec-2012
Q & A with Former Brown Standout James Cerretani
Contributor Harry Cicma recently caught up with ATP doubles player and
former Brown standout James Cerretani. They talked about life on the
ATP tour and his children's foundation.
9-Oct-2012
Q & A with Hartford Head Coach Michael Louis
Michael Louis is entering his second year as the head coach of the
University of Hartford men's and women's tennis teams. Louis is a
first-time head coach at the Division I collegiate level after
spending seven seasons as the assistant men's tennis coach at the
University of Connecticut. Harry Cicma caught up with Louis, chatting
about his goals and experiences.
8-Oct-2012
Talking with Bryant Coach Ron Gendron
Ron Gendron is starting his eighth season coaching the Bryant
University men's tennis team, and he has seen a lot of changes during
his tenure. After several years in the NCAA D-II Northeast-10
Conference, Bryant reclassified to Division I and the Northeast
Conference in 2008. Harry Cicma talked with Coach Gendron about his
experiences coaching college tennis.
7-Jun-2012
Talking with Florida's Thornqvist and Embree
Last month, the University of Florida capped off its second straight
NCAA Championship with a win over UCLA. Lauren Embree earned the
decisive fourth point that clinched the championship for the second
time in as many years. Harry Cicma, who served as color analyst at the
NCAA Championships in Athens, talked with Embree and Gator Head Coach
Roland Thornqvist.
3-Jun-2012
Talking with USC's Steve Johnson
Steve Johnson just wrapped up his college career at USC as a
four-time NCAA team champion and two-time NCAA singles champion.
That's pretty heady stuff, and it puts him in the conversation for
greatest of all time. Harry Cicma, who served as color analyst at the
NCAA Championships in Athens, caught up with Johnson after his singles
victory.
24-May-2012
Talking with MaliVai Washington
MaliVai Washington is well-known in the tennis world. After a stellar
junior career where he competed against the likes of Sampras, Agassi,
Courier, and Martin, Washington attended the University of Michigan,
where he was the top-ranked player before turning pro after his
sophomore year. He is best known for reaching the finals at Wimbledon
in 1996. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports caught up with Washington.
17-May-2012
Talking with UConn Senior Captain Dave Adams
Dave Adams stands tall at 6'6" tall, and the big right-hander just
finished his college tennis career at the University of Connecticut.
Team captain this past year, Adams played all three doubles positions
over his career as well as positions 3 through 6 in singles. Harry
Cicma of NBC Sports talked with Adams about the college recruiting
process - as well as college tennis itself.
8-Dec-2011
Talking with Brown's Cerretani
From 2000-2004, James Cerretani was a standout tennis player at Brown
University, earning first-team All-Ivy honors four straight years
while representing the Bears in three NCAA doubles tournaments and
helping to lead the team to two NCAA team tournament berths.
Cerretani now competes on the ATP tour, where his current world
doubles ranking is No. 48. Harry Cicma talked with Cerretani about
his tennis and his upcoming charity event in Providence, R.I.
30-Nov-2011
Q&A with Case Western's Todd Wojtkowski
Todd Wojtkowski is now in his fourth year as the head tennis coach at
Case Western Reserve University. Since his arrival, both Spartan
tennis programs have established a new standard of play, bursting onto
the national scene in NCAA Division III tennis. Harry Cicma of NBC
Sports sat down with Wojtkowski to talk college tennis, recruiting, and
coaching.
18-Apr-2011
Talking With Jesse Levine
If you've followed American junior and college tennis over the past few years, you
probably recognize the name Jesse Levine. After a stellar junior
career, Levine played college tennis at Florida, where he was named
ITA Rookie of the Year while leading the team to the round of 16 and
making the quarters in both singles and doubles. Harry Cicma of NBC
Sports sat down with the former Gator and current ATP pro.
9-Mar-2011
Harry Cicma with Dartmouth's Bob Dallis
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports speaks with Bob Dallis, head coach of
women's tennis at Dartmouth College. Dallis is in his 21st year as a
Division I head coach - eight of those coming at Dartmouth. Dallis'
squad is coming off a 16-6 season in 2010, and the 2011 edition is
currently ranked #71. Cicma and Dallis discuss college coaching,
recruiting, and much more.
9-Feb-2011
Talking With Florida's Ryan Sherry
In college tennis, all six singles matches have the same value. Just
ask Ryan Sherry, who played for the Florida Gators from 2002 through
2006. As a junior, Sherry posted a 23-2 record at No. 6 singles. He
had the distinction of clinching every match for the Gators at the
2005 SEC Tournament in Athens, Ga., and he was named the MVP of the
event. Harry Cicma of NBC Sports recently sat down to talk with Sherry.
13-Dec-2010
Harry Cicma Goes One-on-One with John Isner
American tennis fans - and college fans in particular - have loved
watching the development of John Isner. He has made great strides in
his game, and his rankings reflect that progress - since turning pro
in 2007, his year-end ranking has gone from 106 (2007) to 144
(2008) to 34 (2009). He currently stands at No. 19, with hopes to
climb higher. Harry Cicma recently chatted with Isner about college
and pro tennis.
29-Nov-2010
Catching Up with Sukhwa Young
Harry Cicma recently got the chance to sit down with Sukhwa Young, a
former Georgia Tech player and ATP professional tennis player. Cicma
and Young talked about junior, college, and professional tennis.
23-Jul-2010
Catching Up with Vinay Bhamidipati
Harry Cicma recently got the chance to sit down with Vinay
Bhamidipati, a former New Jersey high school state champion who went
on to play college tennis at Columbia. Cicma and Bhamidipati talked
about junior and college tennis, life after competitive tennis, and
how tennis has helped prepare him for life.
30-Jun-2010
Quick Takes with Middlebury Coach Dave Schwarz
Just a month ago, the Middlebury men's tennis team hoisted its
2010 NCAA Championship trophy, the second team title for the Panthers.
Harry Cicma of NBC Sports fired off a few questions to Middlebury
Head Coach Dave Schwarz shortly after his championship.
22-Jun-2010
Former Rutgers Captain Greg Schweitzer
Greg Schweitzer served as captain and played #1 at Rutgers
University. After a successful college career, Schweitzer went on
to earn a #75 world doubles ranking on the ATP tour. Harry Cicma
caught up with Schweitzer to talk about his career, the significance
of Rutgers and NCAA tennis, and advice he would give to junior tennis
players today.
2-Jun-2010
New Jersey Legend Mickey Cook
Harry Cicma speaks with New Jersey tennis legend Mickey Cook. Cook
currently serves as the head tennis coach for Monmouth University's
Division I men's tennis team, and was previously a Big East Coach of
the year at Rutgers University. Cook was a top NCAA regionally-ranked
tennis player at Rutgers, and he is considered to be one of the best
players in New Jersey High School state history.
17-Mar-2010
Talking with Virginia Tech's Jim Thompson
In college men's tennis, the Atlantic Coast Conference has always been
packed with strong teams. This year, one of the hottest teams in the
conference - as well as the nation - is Virginia Tech. Harry Cicma of
NBC Sports recently got the chance to sit down with Hokie Head Coach
Jim Thompson.
22-Jan-2010
Conversation with Brown's Jay Harris
The Brown Bears are coming off a 2009 season where they went 18-10
overall and 4-3 in the Ivy League. Many of last year's key
contributors have graduated, but head coach Jay Harris adds a crop of
talented freshmen to his team for 2010. Harry Cicma of FiOS1 and WRNN
sat down with Coach Harris to talk about his teams - past and present
- and about playing tennis in the Ivy League.
23-Nov-2009
Conversation with Providence Coach Kyle LaBranche
There is a family dynasty in the Tennis Department at Providence
College. After Carl LaBranche led the men's and women's teams for
more than a decade; his son, Kyle, has taken over as the new women's
tennis head coach. Kyle is one of the hot young prospects in the
world of Division 1 coaching, and I recently caught up with the Lady
Friars new leader.
3-Aug-2009
Conversation with Devin Britton
A year ago, Devin Britton was a Blue Chip senior in the Class of 2009.
After heading to Ole Miss in January to play the college dual season,
Britton is now the reigning NCAA singles champion - and he recently
made the decision to turn pro. Harry Cicma of NBC News caught up with
Britton to reflect on his recent past and look forward to the U.S.
Open.
8-Jul-2009
Summer Session
The summer offseason is upon us. Maybe you played #7 on your college
team last year... or you just missed qualifying for the Regionals by
one spot. How can you make the most of your summer tennis regimen in
order to jump into the line up or achieve that national ranking? Here
are a few key elements for success.
17-Apr-2009
Conversation with Syracuse Coach Luke Jensen
One of the most famous coaches in the NCAA is Syracuse head coach Luke
Jensen. Jensen, who won the 1993 French Open doubles title with his
brother Murphy, is now in his third season as head coach of the
Orange. Harry Cicma of NBC News caught up with Jensen during Signing
Week.
26-Jan-2009
Conversation with Noah Gardner
This article is not about a current All-American, a top 150 ATP player,
or a national champion. It is rather about a player whose heart
epitomizes what NCAA College tennis is all about. Noah Gardner is a
senior captain on the Brown University men's tennis team. In my
opinion, Noah, has represented every aspect of perseverance that makes
a successful collegiate athlete.
1-Jan-2009
Rock N' Roll and College Tennis
People always complain about tennis not being TV-friendly. Coach Ed
Krass - founder and director of the College Tennis Exposure Camp -
is setting out to change all that. Krass will help Brown and Boston
University host the first-ever "Rock N' Roll" college tennis dual match
in the history of the NCAA on January 24 in Providence, R.I, when the
Bears men's team hosts the Terriers.
5-Dec-2008
Conversation with Bryant University's Ron Gendron
After a successful run in Division 2, the Bryant University Bulldogs
are in their first year competing at the Division 1 level. I
recently spoke with Bryant Head Coach Ron Gendron about the excitement
surrounding his tennis program.
19-Sep-2008
Harry's Quick Take on College Tennis
The leaves here in New England are beginning to change to the colors
of the fall. The students are beginning to fill the streets around my
homes of College Hill in Providence, Rhode Island and Northern New
Jersey. That can only mean one thing... the NCAA Fall season is about
to arrive!
21-Apr-2008
2008 NCAA Men's Tournament Preview
It's the best time of year again in the world of college tennis. The
NCAA tournament is right around the corner, and all eyes are on the
festive conference tournaments taking place. With no further adieu,
here are a few notable men's tennis teams and conferences to look for
during the NCAA madness.
4-Apr-2008
Major Statement for NCAA Tennis
Novak Djokovic's second round 7-6(1), 3-6, 6-4 loss to South
African Qualifier Kevin Anderson in Miami is not only a monumental
upset, but also a major statement for NCAA College tennis.
14-Sep-2007
2007-08 Men's College Preview
It's that time of year when tennis dreams and emotions are riding high
in the afterglow of the U.S. Open. When late August arrives I can't
help but relive the excitement I used to feel before heading back
to school for another year of NCAA tennis. I would spend my time
wondering if all the hard work over the summer would pay off, and how
the new recruits would fit into our team dynamic. Let's take a look
around the world of men's college tennis.
