REDLANDS, Calif. – University of Redlands Director of Athletics Jeff Martinez announced Friday that Michael Longanecker has been chosen to be the next Head Coach of the Men's and Women's Tennis programs.
"I am excited to get to know the student-athletes and learn their games," Longanecker stated. "They are a talented group and I cannot wait to start competing alongside them as a Bulldog! I want to thank Jeff Martinez and the search committee for this amazing opportunity. This program has such a rich history and tradition, and I am honored to step into this role and continue its legacy."
Michael comes to the Bulldogs most recently from Westcliff University, where he led their women's tennis program since 2022. During his time with the Warriors, he won back-to-back GSAC tournament titles, made the NAIA Outdoor and Indoor National Tournaments, and coached five All-Americans. He started his collegiate coaching career as an assistant men's and women's tennis coach at Caltech in 2003. He spent 17-years teaching tennis and coaching professionally at the Upland Tennis Club - Advantage Tennis Academy and Raqcuet Club of Irvine. His duties included not only private instruction but group workouts, high performance and development, and college placement for many young tennis players.
From 2017-2022, Michael served as the Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach at Hope International University, where he successfully grew the rosters, enhanced the competition level of both programs, and saw each team earn a spot at the ITA National Championships in 2021, which was their first appearance.
Michael graduated from the University of La Verne in 2008, where he played both No. 1 singles and doubles for the Leopards. He completed his bachelor's in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. He later earned his MBA in Management from Hope International.
"Coach Longanecker brings a passion for teaching and coaching tennis, along with a great appreciation for our history of excellence," Martinez explained. "He has successfully coached both men's and women's programs simultaneously, and I am confident he will find the necessary balance to provide that mentorship and leadership to all the student-athletes in our tennis programs. I have no doubt that his more than 20 years of teaching, coaching, and playing professionally, along with his desire for success, will provide a positive and successful Bulldog student-athlete experience."
The Bulldog men's and women's teams each finished 2024 ranked 17th in the final ITA Division III National Rankings. It was the highest year-end ranking for the men since 2017 and the highest for the women since 2022.
