Aug. 19, 2002

Allendale, Mich. - Grand Valley State Director of Athletics, Tim Selgo, today named John Black the University's new head coach for the tennis program. Black will coach both the women's and men's tennis teams at Grand Valley State.

Originally from Willingham, New Jersey, Black coached the girls varsity tennis team at Northern Burlington County Regional High School in 1999. He was selected as the Burlington County Girls Tennis Coach of the Year for guiding his team to a 14-7 record. The following year Black coached the boys team to an 18-5 record. John then moved to the Grand Rapids area to work as a tennis pro at Ramblewood Tennis and Health Club.

Black began his playing career at Mener County Community College. He was named to the All-Region First Team in 1993, and participated in the national championships the same year. Black then attended The College of New Jersey, where he played tennis from 1993-95. He earned First Team All-Conference honors during his last two seasons.

Black has also been a highly ranked player in United States Tennis Association as he was ranked in the Top 5 in the Middle States Section. Also, he was formerly ranked #1 in the father/son doubles in the Middle States Section and ranked #7 in the state of New Jersey as a junior player.

In 1997, Black graduated from The College of New Jersey with a bachelor's of arts in English.