Coker Promotes Derek Roehner to Interim Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach
Coker University has announced the promotion of Derek Roehner to Interim Head Coach of the men’s and women’s tennis programs.
HARTSVILLE, SC – Coker University has announced the promotion of Derek Roehner to Interim Head Coach of the men's and women's tennis programs. Roehner, who spent the past season as a Graduate Assistant for the Cobras, steps into the role following the retirement of longtime Head Coach Tom Simpson earlier this week.
In his first year with Coker, Roehner played a pivotal role in guiding the women's program to historic success. The Cobras achieved their highest-ever national ranking at No. 43, earned their first appearance in the Southeast Region Top 10, and posted a team GPA of 3.83—the highest of all Coker athletic programs. Individually, Jade Bellegy earned First Team All-South Atlantic Conference (SAC) honors in singles, reached the ITA Southeast Regional quarterfinals, won the Cayce Invitational, and finished the season ranked in the region's Top 10. Bellegy also teamed with Emerson Banning to earn First Team All-SAC doubles honors, while Ilona Hernandez-Sanchez was recognized as SAC Freshman of the Year.
On the men's side, Roehner guided a young roster through a rebuilding season that featured seven newcomers and four returners. The Cobras earned key SAC victories over Newberry and Limestone, as well as a strong regional win against North Greenville. Individually, Samuel Winter advanced to the Round of 16 at the ITA Southeast Regional Championship, marking one of the program's strongest postseason showings in recent years.
A native of Weston, Florida, Roehner was a multi-year captain at West Liberty University, where he helped establish a team-first culture. He also brings valuable coaching experience from his time at the nationally renowned Midtown Athletic Club, working under Laurent Leclerc, Ken Feuer, Luis Brest, and Rob Manchester in developing nationally ranked junior players.
"We are thrilled to elevate Derek to the head coaching position," said Dr. Lynn Griffin, Coker's Director of Athletics. "He has already demonstrated a strong commitment to building a culture of accountability, academic achievement, and competitive excellence, and we are excited for the future of our tennis programs under his leadership."
Roehner assumes his new role effective immediately.