Gaston Named @MizzouTennis Head Coach
9/3/2016 8:56:00 PM | Tennis
Gaston takes the reins following a highly successful year on the Tigers’ staff
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Mizzou Tennis associate head coach Colt Gaston has been officially named head coach of the program, it was announced by Director of Athletics Jim Sterk on Sunday. Gaston brings more than eight years of coaching or instructing experience to the role.
"I want to commend our search committee for identifying the best candidate to lead our tennis program in Colt Gaston," Sterk said. "Colt has an extensive and impressive background in the sport and has already made a significant and positive impact with our student-athletes on and off the court in his time on staff. We're confident that our program will continue to rise and compete for championships under his leadership."
"We have full confidence Colt Gaston's passion and expertise will lead Mizzou Tennis to the next level in the SEC and nationally," Executive Associate Athletics Director and Mizzou Tennis administrator Mary Austin said. "The search committee received many outstanding candidates interested in this prestigious position. The interview process and background research revealed Coach Gaston was hands down the best fit for Mizzou. We're excited to conclude this extensive national search and move forward with Coach Gaston leading the program to new heights."
Gaston spent last season as assistant coach for the Tigers before being elevated to an associate title in June and now promoted to the head coach position. In 2015-16, Mizzou had its best season in more than a decade during his one year with the team.
The Tigers recorded the fourth-most wins in program history and finished 16-12 after a 9-18 campaign in 2014-15. Additionally, Mizzou sent a student-athlete to the NCAA Singles Tournament last spring for the first time since 2003 when junior Bea Machado Santos posted a 14-9 personal mark and clinched an at-large bid. With Gaston's guidance, Santos also defeated six opponents who were ranked in the Oracle/ITA Collegiate Tennis rankings.
"It is such an honor to be named The University of Missouri's Head Tennis Coach," Gaston said. "The SEC has been a huge part of my life and to be able to have this incredible opportunity at Mizzou is something truly special to me. I want to thank Jim Sterk and Mary Austin for believing in me. I am excited to lead this group of young women. We had a solid season last year and the team has set the bar even higher for this season. I honestly feel that the sky is the limit for this program and can't wait to get started."
Gaston launched his coaching career in 2008 as a High Performance Coach at Weil Tennis Academy in Ojai, Calif. He then served as traveling coach for three players who ranked in ATP/WTA's top 100 list before shifting to ATI Tennis Academy, where he was hired as Tennis Director & Head of Tennis for Made Scholarships.
The Rome, Ga., native landed his first collegiate coaching position at Furman University in 2014. He was the assistant coach for the men's program and helped steer the Paladins to eight victories in their last 10 matches to round out a solid campaign.
Gaston played collegiately at LSU and was a four-year letterwinner, taking home Second Team All-SEC honors in 2006. He followed that by securing ITA Doubles All-American recognition in 2007 alongside partner Danny Bryan. The duo climbed as high No. 3 in the ITA Division I Doubles rankings. Gaston played professionally as a member of the Dunlop ATP traveling squad. He eventually worked his way into the top-500 of the ATP Tour rankings.
Gaston now begins his head coaching era at Mizzou with a team that returns four significant contributors from last season's run, highlighted by senior leaders Santos and Cassidy Spearman. The Tigers also welcome a cast of talented newcomers, including Xavier transfer Amina Ismail, a pair of freshmen ranked in TennisRecruiting.Net's Top 50 in Mackenzy Middlebrooks and Tate Schroeder and a decorated walk-on in Claire Sullivan, who is No. 105 in TennisRecruiting.Net's ranking.
For all the latest on Mizzou Tennis, stay tuned to MUTigers.com and follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
WELCOME RECEPTION & MEDIA AVAILABLITY
Where: Clinton Club at Mizzou
When: Tuesday, Sept. 6
Media Availability: 3:30-4 p.m.
Welcome Reception: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. (program begins at 4:30 p.m.)
RSVP to TSFEvents@Missouri.edu
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