Saint Leo University has appointed Ivan Fernandez as the new head coach for its men's and women's tennis programs. With nearly two decades of coaching experience, Fernandez previously led the women's tennis team at the University of Texas at El Paso, where he achieved significant success including a Conference USA Championship win. His tenure at UTEP was marked by a focus on both competitive achievement and academic excellence, making him an ideal fit for Saint Leo's mission.

By the Numbers
  • Fernandez guided UTEP to 52 total victories in eight seasons, including 33 wins at home.
  • His teams at UTEP led the athletic department in GPA for four consecutive years, with one athlete named to the CUSA All-Academic Team with a perfect 4.0 GPA.
Yes, But

While Fernandez has a strong track record, the challenge remains to replicate that success at Saint Leo, a program that has faced ups and downs in recent years.

State of Play
  • Saint Leo is looking to revitalize its tennis programs after a period of mixed performance.
  • Fernandez’s hiring comes amidst a strategic push to enhance both athletic and academic performance.
What's Next

Moving forward, Fernandez aims to build a competitive team capable of returning to prominence in the conference, starting with recruiting efforts and establishing a strong training regimen.

Bottom Line

Ivan Fernandez's appointment signals a renewed commitment to excellence at Saint Leo, blending competitive spirit with a dedication to academic success to foster a strong tennis program.