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Home Sports Tennis Team Starts First Season with Coach DeSimone

Junior Lucas Zoller watches his opponent as his team members look on.

Photo by Sonja Brandt

 

By Paige Uzzell

 

Concordia’s tennis program is beginning their spring season with a new head coach. David DeSimone, head tennis coach, was welcomed as part of the Concordia faculty in February 2019.

DeSimone attended Kalamazoo College in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he competed on their tennis team. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and is currently attending the University of Nebraska — Lincoln to obtain his master’s in business with a specialization in intercollegiate athletics administration.

DeSimone was recognized for his athletic and academic abilities while he was an athlete at Kalamazoo. DeSimone was the tennis MVP twice, a four-time Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete, a two-time first team all-conference teammate, a recipient of the Hornet Award, and the captain of his team his senior year.

DeSimone came to Concordia from coaching at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. He also worked as a Junior Development Pathway Director at the Quad City Tennis Club.

“Concordia is truly a special place, and I realized that after my first time on campus,” DeSimone said. “I love the Christian beliefs and values that this community is grounded on, and I am excited about the opportunity to grow this tennis program to unprecedented success on and off the court.”

One of the reasons students come to Concordia is for the community. It is no different for faculty.

“The best part about Concordia (is) by far the people and the relationships that I have developed here,” DeSimone said. “I am looking forward to continuing to develop relationships and contribute to the entire campus community.”

DeSimone knows what it is like to balance being a competitive athlete and a successful student. Overall, DeSimone has had 15 years of competitive experience in tennis.

“I would tell all student-athletes to enjoy their time in college and make the most of all opportunities,” DeSimone said. “It can be difficult to effectively manage all the tasks and events that student-athletes have to balance, but the skills and lessons that result from the student-athlete experience are great opportunities for growth and development.”

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