Kyle Spencer spent his weekend watching the best tennis players in the world at Wimbledon in his native England when he got word that he would need to cut his trip off early.
Spencer, the former assistant coach for Baylor, was officially named the new head coach of the Terrapin men’s tennis team Tuesday afternoon, so he arranged for a flight back to the United States to get started right away.
Spencer, 33, was named the ITA Tennis National Assistant Coach of the Year last month and Athletics Department officials are hoping Spencer can infuse hope into a program looking to elevate itself to national status.
From the beginning of his tenure, Spencer said he wants to make a commitment to creating a buzz surrounding the team.
“First we need to create a product the public will actually want to be behind,” Spencer said. “Once we get that, the possibilities are endless. I want to bring the student body and community together to be behind this team.”
He mentioned implementing various promotions, such as a sorority match or kids day. Since the team plays at the Tennis Center at College Park and not on the campus, Spencer said he will try to arrange better transportation for students to get to the matches.
Spencer is working on contacting each player individually and plans on hiring an assistant coach within the next few weeks.
“I want to create a strong, lasting program and I am excited to be able to have this opportunity,” Spencer said. “I want our players to be equally excited and ready to start a new era for Maryland tennis.”
eckardbk@gmail.com
