• Tue. Dec 3rd, 2024

Sinclair tennis welcomes back former coach

Looking to add a boost in its women’s tennis program, Sinclair Community College handed the team back to former coach David Pence in May.

A former stand out on the Pride tennis team in the mid 1990’s, Pence coached both men’s and women’s tennis during a four-year stint from 1999-2002. Pence left the program due to family issues, but when athletic director Jack Giambrone offered Pence the position after former coach Kristen Gibson took another job, he gladly accepted.

“It was a good opportunity to get this team back on track again,” Pence said. “It’s possible, but it’s all up to the recruiting.”

The minimum roster number consists of six players and Pence said he isn’t sure of the amount of returning players he will have from last season.

“The goal is to get a team that is students first,” he said. “It’s all about students learning how to succeed. I’m looking for good students that work hard and can go to the next level.”

Pence experienced success with the Pride both on the court and off. At the time, Pence was a 35-year-old member of the men’s team and earned All-American honors while leading the Pride to a national berth in both of his seasons.

“That was probably one of the best teams Sinclair ever had,” Pence said.

Giambrone is excited to see Pence help lift the program back to its past standards.

“He’s going to bring to us a world of experience,” he said. “(Tennis) is probably one of the most decorated sports programs we have here on campus that’s made numerous national trips.

“I think Dave will do a great job and we’re real excited to get the program back and going again.”