University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Vice Chancellor and Director of AthleticsDavid Blackburn announced Chad Camper has been offered and accepted the position as the new head coach of the women's tennis program today. Camper comes to Chattanooga after spending the last three seasons as the head coach at Louisiana Tech.
"We are excited to welcome Chad Camper as our new women's tennis head coach," stated Blackburn. "His success with recruiting and player development in a tough league made him a very attractive candidate."
Camper was 36-25 record in three years at Louisiana Tech.
Twice named the Louisiana Coach of the Year, his Lady Techsters ranked as high as No. 66 in the nation in 2016.
"I have always felt Chattanooga is a destination spot," stated Camper. "It is a beautiful city and the weather is perfect.
"Chattanooga is a tennis-rich environment with great academics, and that will allow us to recruit great players, as well as great students. The program is set up to win, not only in the Southern Conference, but also on a national level."
LA Tech is coming off a 15-7 record last season, the fourth-most wins in school history. It was the third year in a row the program produced three All-Conference USA players.
"Chad's a proven leader who will do an outstanding job heading our program," added Blackburn. "He sees both our tradition of winning and potential for continued growth.
"He's a great fit to continue to advance our women's tennis program."
Prior to LA Tech, Camper was the associate head men's and women's tennis coach at his alma mater, Wright State. Prior to being promoted, he served three years as an assistant coach for the Raiders.
As a full-time assistant, the Lima, Ohio native was actively involved in the recruitment of future collegiate players both locally and internationally. Camper recruited the 2012 men's Horizon League Newcomer of the Year and the 2012 men's Horizon League Player of the Year, while also coaching the men's team to the Horizon Conference regular season title in 2011-12. On the women's side, Camper helped take a WSU women's program with a previous 1-21 record to having three successful seasons, including a 14-win season in 2011.
Camper owns many Wright State tennis records (1998-02) graduating with a degree in Social Science Education in 2004. He was the Midwestern Collegiate Conference (now Horizon League) Player of the Year as well as the Wright State Male Athlete of the Year in 2001 leading his team to the conference championship.
He set the school record for singles wins with 98 and ranked second in doubles (77) and career combined wins (175). Camper competed professionally on the ATP Tour from 2002-04.
The Mocs are coming off a 15-8 season and a third-place showing at 5-2 in Southern Conference action. It was the fifth year in a row with at least 15 wins for the program. Former head coach Jeff Clark resigned his position in July to become the Director of Tennis at Chattanooga's McCallie School.
Camper's Career Record
2014: 14-7
2015: 7-11
2016: 15-7
Total: 36-25 (.590)