Saginaw Valley State University Director of Athletics John Lewandowski announced the hiring of Kaylee Tucker as the new head coach of the Cardinal tennis program. Tucker takes the reins of an SVSU tennis program that began in 1981, with the first day of her tenure being Wednesday, August 7.

"Kaylee Tucker is a rising star in the collegiate tennis coaching ranks," Lewandowski said. "Kaylee shares our vision of providing a 'Championship Experience' by creating an environment that encourages our student-athletes to excel in all aspects of their lives, starting in the classroom.

"She is equally passionate about the coaching profession and the sport of tennis. Kaylee will create a competitive environment, focused on skill development, in-match strategy and execution, and overall personal development. She is also an outstanding motivator and team builder."

Tucker comes to SVSU after five years at NAIA Concordia University Ann Arbor where she was the head women's tennis coach. During her stint at her alma mater, Tucker oversaw all aspects of the program from recruiting, creating practice plans, allocating the budget, developing the competition schedule, and planning fundraising efforts.

"I am thrilled to join the Cardinal family at Saginaw Valley State University," Tucker said. "I knew as soon as I set foot on campus that this was where I was meant to be. SVSU's athletic staff is deeply committed to their athletes' growth and development, and I am eager to contribute to this supportive environment.

"I look forward to being part of a team that helps student-athletes feel connected with their community and valued by both students and staff. I am excited about the chance to enhance the college experience and boost the competitiveness of the women's tennis team. After meeting the girls, I can see just how passionate they are about the sport and how devoted they are to improving their skills. They are hungry to compete. With the right mindset and consistent training, I am confident that we can achieve great success in the GLIAC."

In addition to her work at Concordia University Ann Arbor, Tucker was an Assistant Tennis Pro for the Racquet Club of Ann Arbor, beginning in 2022. She was also a tennis instructor with the Liberty Athletic Club, starting in 2019.

In the Spring of 2018, Tucker became the varsity coach of the John Glenn High School softball team while still attending school at CUAA. She held that position until 2021.

Tucker graduated with her bachelor's degree in secondary education in May 2019 from Concordia University Ann Arbor and went on to gain her master's in English from Oakland University in 2022.

"I'm excited about the future of the SVSU tennis program under her outstanding leadership," Lewandowski said. "Kaylee will be a difference-maker for our Cardinal student-athletes."