Hope College has named Nate Price as interim men’s and women’s tennis coach for the 2017 season.

Co-athletic director Melinda Larson said that, with the tremendous tennis staff and support from the DeWitt Tennis Center, Hope College is confident that its intercollegiate tennis programs will be in great hands with Nate Price as interim head coach.

"Nate is an experienced coach and proven winner," Larson said. "He is committed to the mission of Hope College and Hope Athletics. As our head coach, Nate will be invested in the holistic development and education of our student-athletes."

Price has deep ties to tennis at Hope College and the Holland area. He follows Adam Ford, who has taken a job as an elite juniors tennis coach in Midland, Mich.

Price said he is excited to coach the Flying Dutch and Flying Dutchmen. He will be joined by new assistant coach Jay Vander Laan.

"Both Coach Ford and assistant coach (Bob) Cawood had done an excellent job recruiting on both the men's and women's tennis teams. They both deserve a lot of credit for elevating the Hope College's Tennis program," Price said. "The current players at Hope College are not only very talented tennis players they are also great people. I have no doubt that working with them will allow us to compete for a chance at a conference title.

"The addition of incoming coach Jay Vander Laan should assist in making this a smooth transition for the players as well."

Price coached the Flying Dutch women’s tennis team from 2010-12 to a 48-24 dual-match record. Hope won one Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association title and finished MIAA runner-up twice during his tenure.

Price is the Director of Tennis at the Dewitt Tennis Center at Hope College. He also is a United States Professional Tennis Association and Professional Tennis Registry professional. He has worked with many nationally ranked juniors as well as players that have gone on to play for nationally ranked collegiate teams.

Price has been teaching tennis in Holland and Grand Rapids since 2002. He was ranked highly as a player at West Ottawa High School in Holland and Aquinas College (NAIA) in Grand Rapids, including a top 20 national collegiate ranking in both singles and doubles. Price has also been ranked in the top 10 in the Midwest section in the Men's Open division.

Story provided by Alan Babbitt, Hope College

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