HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Tom Simpson has been named the new head coach of the Coker College men's and women's tennis teams, Director of Athletics Dr. Lynn Griffin announced today. Simpson comes to Coker with over 30 years of professional tennis teaching and coaching experience.

"We are very excited to have Tom join our staff," said Griffin. "He brings a wealth of experience to the tennis program and we feel he will help our programs grow and improve. We look forward to future of the Coker tennis teams."

Simpson comes from the Smith Stearns Tennis Academy in Hilton Head, S.C., where he was most recently served as a pro giving private and group lessons, as well as serving as the traveling coach for the tennis academy. He was also the Co-Director of the Academy's Housing of International and National Students.

Prior to his time at Smith Stearns, Simpson served as the head professional and tennis director at several tennis clubs in Columbia, S.C. and Hilton Head including The Rockbridge Club, the Spring Valley Country Club, the Forest Lake Country Club and the Port Royal Racquet Club.

"I am very excited to be joining the Coker family where I hope I can bring a winning tradition to the Cobra tennis programs," said Simpson. "To coach college tennis is a dream come true. For so long I have helped guide other players to college, it will be nice to finally able to recruit my own players to play for Coker."

A very successful professional tennis instructor, coach and player, Simpson holds his United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) P1 certification and his United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR) certification.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Oakland University in Rochester Mich. where he competed in the NCAA Division II singles and doubles championships in 1979. He also holds a Masters of Arts in Intercultural Studies from Columbia International University.