For Immediate Release, October 6, 1999
Contact:  Bernie Saenz, UT Pan American Assistant SID

UT Pan American Announces Hiring of Scott Howard as Head Tennis Coach

EDINBURG –The University of Texas-Pan American announced on Wednesday the hiring of Scott Howard as the new Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach.  Howard replaces Greg Hilley, who had led the Broncs for the past five seasons.

Howard comes from The University of San Francisco, where he served as Head Women’s Tennis Coach.  At USF, Howard took over a team in the rebuilding stages.  Prior to Howard’s arrival at USF, the tennis team went 0-20.  In Howard’s second year, the team went 8-13. Prior to his time at USF, Howard led Saint Francis College in Loretto, Pa. to a third place finish, its highest conference finish in school history.

“Scott Howard has demonstrated a track record of developing successful tennis programs that excel in both the athletic and academic arenas,” William J. Weidner, UT PA Athletic Director said.  “Howard’s commitment to academics was demonstrated at USF where the Women’s Tennis team had the highest GPA of all athletic programs with a 3.40.  His prior experience as a Division I Head Coach and his true passion for the game will provide our current and future student athletes with an excellent foundation as the strive to develop their skills on and off the court and in the classroom,” Weidner added.

A 1989 graduate of San Francisco State University, Howard played number one singles and doubles, while serving as team captain from 1984 to 1989. Howard is well known in the community in California.  Howard organized fundraising tournaments benefiting the Yuba Community College’s tennis program, while coaching at YCC.

Howard plans on getting his team involved in spreading the news that Division I tennis is here by participating in local service projects.   “We have nice courts here and I hope to fill the stands,” Howard said.  Howard’s first order of business is to finish the schedule.  Howard hopes to add a home quad-match.  “The weather is great for tennis down here,” Howard added.