LAKELAND, Fla.—Southeastern University Director of Athletics has named Drew Dickens the full-time head men’s and women’s tennis coach.
Dickens served as the interim head coach this season and guided both the men’s and women’s programs to school record seasons.
“Drew stepped into a very difficult situation in the fall and has thrived, leading a program that didn’t have a lot of success the last few years into the postseason,” said Watson. “His energy, positive attitude, and enthusiasm for the game of tennis played a big part in that turnaround and are the reasons I believe he is a perfect fit to lead the tennis programs into the future.”
The Fire women were ranked as high as 19th in the NAIA Coaches’ Poll, and have posted a 16-4 record and placed third in The Sun Conference. Dickens, along with Keiser head coach Daniel Finn, was named The Sun Conference Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year.
“This is such a special opportunity to be at a University that means so much to me and to coach for a program that has a special place in my heart,” said Dickens. “I want this tennis program to be exciting for current and prospective players. I want our players to see, through the vision and goals of the team, that they are part of something that is bigger than themselves. Understanding that our impact stretches further than any result, we will strive to compete at the national level. Our position within a competitive conference in Florida gives us the opportunity to grow and play at the highest level.”
On the men’s side, the Fire went 13-8 with five of the eight losses by one point.
This marked the first time since 2016 both the men’s and women’s tennis teams qualified for the conference semifinals.