Newberry Names Mark Gardiner Head Men’s Tennis Coach

NEWBERRY, S.C. - Newberry College announced today the hiring of Mark Gardiner as head coach for the men's tennis team.

"I am excited to begin coaching collegiately in an area that's so close to my home," said Gardiner. "I've seen what Brad Edwards has been doing over the past year and a half for the athletic department and things are really on the up-and-up."

Gardiner graduated from Winthrop University in 1988 with a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. During his years as an Eagle he competed on the varsity tennis team earning a varsity letter.

As the owner and manager of the Chapin Tennis Academy, Gardiner has provided lessons for players of all ages and levels including USTA teams and tournament level players. He has also compiled and conducted round robin and adult and junior tournaments for the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission.

Prior to his time in Chapin, Gardiner served as the Director of Tennis and was the Head Tennis Professional at the Cardinal Racquet Club in Anderson from 1990-97. Gardiner coordinated and oversaw numerous tournaments while in Anderson and saw one lauded as the South Carolina Tournament of the Year.

Gardiner is currently rated a 4.5 by USTA Team Tennis. He has been a member and captain of USTA men's, combo and mixed doubles teams. Since 2003 most of his teams have advanced to the state finals and have won state titles.

The Wolves' tennis team began their preseason workouts on September 5. The all-freshman squad will begin their season in the spring.