Skidmore College Appoints Accomplished Tennis Coach AJ Nelson to Lead Men's Program

Skidmore College, a prestigious institution in Saratoga Springs, New York, has announced the appointment of Andrew James "AJ" Nelson as its new head men's tennis coach. Nelson, a seasoned tennis professional with a wealth of experience, is poised to guide the Skidmore Thoroughbreds men's tennis program into a new era of success.

Elevating Skidmore's Tennis Legacy with Proven Expertise

Proven Track Record of Coaching Excellence

Nelson's impressive coaching career spans multiple institutions, showcasing his ability to develop and elevate tennis programs. Most recently, he served as the assistant women's tennis coach at Columbia University, where he coached multiple nationally ranked Division I players and helped the team achieve its highest-ever national ranking at No. 21 before the 2019-20 season was cut short. Prior to his time at Columbia, Nelson was a teaching professional and director of junior tennis at The Meadow Club in Southampton, New York, while also serving as the assistant director of the Wilson Collegiate Tennis Camps for youth players aged 8-18.Nelson's collegiate coaching experience includes a stint as a volunteer assistant at The University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2012, followed by a season as an assistant coach for the men's and women's programs at Colgate University. This diverse background has equipped him with the necessary skills and expertise to lead the Skidmore men's tennis program to new heights.

Embracing Skidmore's Vibrant Tennis Tradition

Skidmore College boasts a rich tennis tradition, having won 15 conference titles, most recently in 2021, and producing 29 All-Americans. The Thoroughbreds have consistently reached the Liberty League semifinals, with the team advancing to at least that far in each of the 20 Liberty League Tournaments held since the league's inception in 2004.Nelson expressed his excitement about joining the Skidmore community, stating, "I feel privileged to join during a pivotal moment in the program's history, especially with the addition of the McCaffery-Wagman Tennis and Wellness Center." This state-of-the-art facility will undoubtedly provide the Skidmore men's tennis team with the resources and environment to thrive under Nelson's leadership.

Fostering a Culture of Academic and Athletic Excellence

Skidmore College's commitment to balancing high-performance academics and athletics aligns perfectly with Nelson's coaching philosophy. Gail Cummings-Danson, the Skidmore athletics director, highlighted this as a key factor in Nelson's selection, stating, "His experience and commitment to balancing high-performance academics and athletics has prepared him to take on this leadership role and guide our program moving forward."As a former collegiate player himself, Nelson understands the importance of supporting student-athletes in achieving their full potential, both on and off the court. This holistic approach to coaching will undoubtedly benefit the Skidmore men's tennis team, as they strive for excellence in their academic pursuits and athletic endeavors.

Embracing the Skidmore Community

Nelson's enthusiasm for joining the Skidmore community is palpable. He expressed his excitement, stating, "My family and I are absolutely thrilled to be joining the Skidmore College community." This sentiment reflects his commitment to immersing himself in the Skidmore culture and working closely with the institution's athletic department and student-athletes.Cummings-Danson echoed this sentiment, stating, "AJ's leadership style will add strength to our program, and we know that our students will benefit from his strong mentorship." This mutual understanding and shared vision for the Skidmore men's tennis program set the stage for a successful partnership between Nelson and the college.As Skidmore College embarks on a new chapter with AJ Nelson at the helm of the men's tennis program, the future looks bright for the Thoroughbreds. With his proven track record, commitment to academic and athletic excellence, and enthusiasm for the Skidmore community, Nelson is poised to elevate the program to new heights and continue the institution's rich tennis tradition.