Former Baker University tennis player Richard Walsh was selected as head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis teams after the resignation of Regan Dodd.
Walsh was a Wildcat tennis player in 1984-88, however, he began his tennis career at a very young age.
“I’ve grown up around a tennis court basically my whole life,” he said. “My father was a tennis player so he got me involved in tennis at a young age.”
Walsh continued his tennis career after graduating from Baker and has played socially as well as competitively in several national tournaments.
Although Walsh has never coached a team before, he previously taught individual lessons and is sure his Baker ties will make the transition to coaching an easy one.
“I think that I know the system here,” Walsh said. “I know a lot of people here and I have a real affiliation towards the school. I’m hoping that that will be a contributing factor to the success of the program and the future success of the program.”
Assistant coach Bruce Anderson said he believes Walsh’s lack of coaching experience will play as a strength rather than a weakness for the team. Walsh’s love for the game has Anderson sure he can bring Baker tennis to a new level.
“Where Rick is lacking in coaching experience, he is so strong in terms of his goals, his spirit and his infectious attitude about this sport,” Anderson said. “I have rarely met anybody that loves tennis the way Rick Walsh loves tennis, and in this sport that carries you through.”
“He is going to make errors, I mean it’s just a part of the job but the errors he makes are going to be those errors that put us forward rather than backward.”
Walsh’s enthusiasm for tennis will be the driving force behind his coaching approach, along with his tremendous amount of experience on the court.
“I think I will be able to bring a little renewed excitement,” Walsh said. “I am very excited about the opportunity and I’m a very competitive tennis player. When I get on the court I get really pumped up and I’m hoping my enthusiasm will brush off on them.”
Walsh hopes his experiences will aid in improving his players. Improvement is one of his top goals for the season along with having fun.
“I think that with a small school and a small team there is an opportunity to really bond as a team and have a lot of fun in doing this,” he said. “If we can make it a fun time I think that they will enjoy it more and that it will be a much more memorable experience.”
Junior Trevor Hedberg said he agrees with Walsh’s approach to goal setting.
I could sum (Walsh) up in one phrase, he seems open-minded and relaxed,” Hedberg said. “He doesn’t have unrealistic expectations and he has got his priorities in order.”