Photo courtesy of Carthage College Athletics
Illinois Tech Athletics is excited to announce the hiring of Erik Scanlan as head coach of the university’s new Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs. He brings a bevy of experience and energy to campus, which will accelerate the growth of Illinois Tech’s latest varsity sport additions. He will begin his new position immediately. The Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs will begin competing in the fall of 2017.
“Erik Scanlan really impressed us with his approach to the job,” said Director of Athletics Joe Hakes. “His experience in Division III tennis and his understanding of the recruiting process will help us get our programs up and running quickly. He made it clear that coaching college tennis is what he wants to do. We look forward to having him recruit and coach our student-athletes.”
Scanlan comes to Illinois Tech by way of Carthage College, where he last served as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons. While at Carthage, both the men’s and women’s programs enjoyed great success with Scanlan on staff. The men’s team combined for a 42-14 record over Scanlan’s two seasons, winning the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin Tournament Championship in both years. Carthage’s women’s team was also strong, combining for a 35-12 record over the two seasons. In addition, a total of 13 student-athletes were named All-CCIW during Scanlan’s tenure at the school (seven men, six women).
Prior to Carthage, Scanlan attended the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he was one of the region’s strongest Division III tennis players. A four-year letter winner for the Warhawks and a two-time team captain, Scanlan collected 135 wins in his collegiate career, NCAA Athletic All-America honors in 2010-11, and qualified for the ITA Regional and National Tournament.
“Coming from successful programs in UWW and Carthage, I had a chance to learn from some great mentors,” said Scanlan. “I feel that I have a unique and energetic personality, which will allow me to pursue making both programs continuously successful moving forward.”
Scanlan’s coaching experience expands beyond Carthage, as he also spent time instructing at Glen View Club in Glenview, Ill., Green Acres Tennis Country Club in Northbrook, Ill., and Four Lakes Athletic Club in Elkhorn, Wis. The Libertyville, Ill. native graduated from Wisconsin-Whitewater in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance.
“I am really excited to take over the Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs,” said Scanlan. “I feel this is a unique opportunity to build a successful program from the ground up while working with a great athletic department that is progressing. I am very excited to get going.”