Pennington’s Head Coaching Pipeline
HAMILTON – Head men's and women's tennis coach Bobby Pennington has a stellar reputation for mentoring some of the finest student-athletes in the Patriot League. But in Pennington's 18 seasons at the helm in Hamilton Colgate has also been a hotbed for up-and-coming coaches, ushering eight former assistants into head coaching positions.
"One of the things I'm proudest of in my nearly 20-year tenure is the development of my assistant coaches into big-time head ball coaches," Pennington said. "It speaks to the culture, loyalty and dedication to themselves, the players, and myself."
Below are the former Colgate assistants listed with their head coaching destinations:
Rose Ketmayura
Years at Colgate: 2006-08
Head Coaching Roles: Long Island University (2014-2016), Southern Utah University (2017-2019)
Matt Tyler
Years at Colgate: 2008-2009
Head Coaching Role: Bradley University (2009 - Present)
Courtney Vernon
Years at Colgate: 2010-2012
Head Coaching Role: Florida Gulf Coast University (2013 - Present)
Jamie Nelson Scott
Years at Colgate: 2013-14
Head Coaching Role: Denison University (2016 - Present)
AJ Nelson
Years at Colgate: 2014
Head Coaching Role: Skidmore College (2024)
Sarah Lytle
Years at Colgate: 2014-15
Head Coaching Role: Hillsborough Community College (2017 - Present)
Jeff Lonczak
Years at Colgate: 2014-15
Head Coaching Role: Le Moyne (2015 - Present)
Olivia Leavitt
Years at Colgate: 2020-22
Head Coaching Role: Lehigh University (2022 - Present)
Latest Men's Tennis
- Israel Shines at Patriot League Individual TournamentWEST POINT, N.Y. – The men's tennis team competed at the inaugural ITA Patriot League Masters Qualifying with a trip to NCAA Individuals on the line. Senior captains Josh Israel and Benito Vlassis were chosen to represent Colgate at the tournament, with Israel standing out by making a run to the semifinals.
- Men’s Tennis Competes at ITA RegionalsCAMBRIDGE, MASS. --- The men's tennis team competed at the 2024 ITA Division I Men's New England Regional championships, where they played from Thursday through Saturday night. The Raiders picked up three singles wins along with one main draw doubles win, capping a successful tournament competing amongst the region's best.
- Men’s Tennis Hosts Inaugural Fall Colgate InviteHAMILTON – The men's tennis team sported a winning record at their first ever home fall invite, finishing with an overall mark of 23-16 in both singles and doubles action. Sophomore Jerome Falcon continued his undefeated fall by going 5-0 on the weekend, with his most notable win coming against Niagara at line three singles, with a score of 2-6, 6-4, 10-3.
- Colgate Kicks off Fall Season at Bloomsburg InvitationalBLOOMSBURG, Pa. – The men's tennis team had a strong showing at the Bloomsburg Invitational, combining for a 27-12 record over the weekend. Sophomore Jerome Falcon led the way with a perfect 5-0 mark in singles action.
- Men’s Tennis Prepares for Fall SeasonHAMILTON – The men's tennis team is gearing up for the incoming fall season, which begins Saturday, Sept. 7th, in Bloomsburg, Pa. The squad, led by head coach Bobby Pennington in his 19th year at the helm, looks to bounce back from a six win season which had many trials and tribulations. However, the squad returns the nine out of 11 letter winners from last spring, bolstered by its four senior captains.
- Pennington Sells Out Summer Tennis CampsHAMILTON – Head men's and women's tennis coach Bobby Pennington sold out both sessions of the program's annual Nike ID Camp this week.
