CLINTON, Iowa - The Ashford University athletic department was pleased to announce the official hiring of Chad Fenwick as head coach for the revitalized men's and women's tennis programs, effective yesterday.

Originally a native of Dixon, Ill., Fenwick comes to Ashford after a highly successful four-year head coaching stint at Div. II Upper Iowa University in Fayette where he led the Peacocks to their first ever NCAA Championships berth earlier this spring.

Fenwick will also be in charge of operations for the university's newly-acquired tennis center, formerly owned by the Clinton YMCA. The Saints' athletic department announced tennis would be returning after an eight-year hiatus in time for the 2010-11 academic year back in January.

"We are very excited about the return of tennis to Ashford University and our decision to have Chad guide both programs," AU Athletics Director Meg Schebler said. "He has experienced success on every level and we look forward to getting back on track after discontinuing tennis from our institution in 2002."

Fenwick was the Northern Sun Conference Coach of the Year in 2008, leading Upper Iowa to its first league title in school history. He also has head coaching experience at his alma mater at the University of Dubuque, Dubuque Senior High School, Hempstead High School and Dixon High School.

Under Fenwick's tutelage at Upper Iowa, regional singles champion Anastasia Dabiza of Skokie, Ill., went on to collect Northern Sun Conference Freshman of the Year accolades this past spring.

Fenwick enjoyed a two-year tennis collegiate career at then-Mount St. Clare College before transferring to the University of Dubuque for the remainder of his eligibility.

"This is a very appealing opportunity for me to be a part of a reinstated program," Fenwick said. "I'm excited about the overall health of the university and the recent purchase of the tennis center shows its commitment to the growth and development of the sport."

Fenwick obtained his degree from the University of Dubuque after transferring from Mount St. Clare. He currently resides in Dubuque with his wife, Kristy.

The Fenwick File

• Assistant Boys Tennis Coach - Dixon High School (1998-99)
• Head Boys Tennis Coach - Hempstead High School (2000)
• Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach - University of Dubuque (2000-02)
• Head Boys Tennis Coach - Dubuque Senior High School (2004-05)
• Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach - Upper Iowa University (2006-10)
• Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach - Ashford University (2010-Present)
  

Coaching Awards

• Northern Sun Conference Coach of the Year (2008)