Jeff Kader became the third men's tennis coach in UTSA history on Tuesday.
SAN ANTONIO — UTSA Athletics Director Lynn Hickey announced Tuesday the hiring of Jeff Kader as the department's new men’s tennis head coach. Kader replaces Dr. Oliver Trittenwein, who announced his resignation effective July 31 two months ago.
The Geneva, Ohio, native comes to the Alamo City from North Carolina State, where he was an assistant coach for the last four seasons. He helped guide the Wolfpack to 60 wins and a No. 55-or-better ITA ranking, including a top-20 showing in 2007, during his tenure in Raleigh.
Kader played an important role in the Wolfpack’s successful 2007 campaign when NC State recorded 23 wins, including 13 against nationally-ranked opponents, a final ranking of No. 19 in the ITA Polll and reached the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Championships.
“I’m excited about this opportunity at UTSA," he said. “There is a lot of great support from both the administrators and staff members. They create a great environment to have a successful program. The team is a coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance and is an experienced group. We can do very good things that will help put UTSA on the national map.”
Kader helped his players achieve national recognition while at NC State.
He coached former All-American Jay Weinacker to a year-end individual ranking of No. 33 in 2009 and also helped the tandem of William Noblitt and Nick Cavady to a career-high national standing of sixth in 2008.
Prior to his stint in Raleigh, Kader spent one year working for the legendary Stan Smith at the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in Hilton Head Island, S.C. He served as a teaching professional and traveling coach with elite junior players.
Kader enjoyed a successful collegiate career as a four-year letterwinner from 2002-05 at William & Mary.
He was a three-time first-team All-Colonial Athletic Association honoree in singles play from 2003-05 and also collected second-team All-CAA accolades in doubles action as a senior. Kader played an important role in helping the Tribe capture the 2005 CAA Tournament Championship and was named event's Most Valuable Player. He participated at the NCAA Tournament his final two campaigns and wrapped up his final year ranked 26th in the ITA singles poll. Kader also was the recipient of the 2005 Blue/Gray National Sportsmanship Award.
“It will be great to have Jeff on staff,” Hickey said. “He’s one of the bright young coaches in the tennis community and he brings a background as both a player and assistant coach. He has local connections, because he trained at The John Newcombe Tennis Ranch in New Braunfels. We are excited about having someone with his knowledge of tennis and local recruiting ties.”