Vermont State University Johnson Athletics is pleased to announce Ryan McDonnell as the Head Coach of Men's Tennis. The native Texan has a wealth of instructional experience in the sport, most recently coming from Buffalo, NY where he coached at the Miller Tennis Center. There, he developed programs designed for high level juniors while fostering an environment of inclusivity and enjoyment of the sport. "Coach McDonnell brings a positive outlook on coaching and player development and is eager to get out and recruit the next generation of Badger tennis players," says Director of Athletics, Greg Eckman. "I feel Coach McDonnell's background in teaching and instructing tennis at various levels will help him be successful as is takes over the role as Head Men's Tennis Coach for the Badgers."

Prior to his time in Buffalo, McDonnell lived in Washington, where his connection to the outdoors was evident through his work as an instructor for Mt. Baker Ski Area and Course Technician at Adventura. And no stranger to the university environment, McDonnell holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography with a Spanish Minor from Texas State University, where he served as a Residential Assistant and Rec Team Leader while competing for the Texas State Club Tennis team. "College is an important developmental stage in life and to be a part of that is a privilege I don't take lightly. I'm excited to develop a great team atmosphere that allows these students to thrive during their time here at Johnson," shares Coach McDonnell. Welcome to the family, Ryan, and Go Badgers!