CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - Coe College director of athletics and recreation Steve Cook announced today the appointment of Mike Strydom as the Kohawk's next head women's tennis coach. Strydom, who grew up in South Africa came to Iowa in 2007 to serve as an assistant tennis coach, and later head coach, at Wartburg College. Following his time in Waverly, Strydom started a position as the director of boarding at the Saddlebrook Prep School and Tennis/Golf academies in Florida. Most recently, Mike served as a teaching professional at the Blackhawk Tennis Club in Waterloo, Iowa.
 
"I am extremely grateful and excited to be a part of the Coe tennis tradition which has long been the pinnacle of our sport in the Midwest," said Strydom. "I look forward to working with this year's talented group of student-athletes as we set about planning our return to the top of the conference. Go Kohawks!"
 
Strydom's career began in 1998 at the Umtentweni Tennis Club in Umtentweni, South Africa where he served as the club's teaching professional and director of tennis. The following year, Mike moved to Hancock, New York where he served as the director of tennis at the Frenchwood Festivals of Art in 1999. In 2000, Strydom returned to South Africa, serving as the head boys and girls tennis coach at Port Shepstone High School where he helped set a new school record with 15 wins in a season. 
 
Strydom returned to the states in 2007, this time taking a position as an assistant coach for men's and women's tennis at Wartburg. Mike held this position until 2012 when he was then promoted to head coach of both teams. During his four-year stint as head coach, Strydom guided his men's and women's teams to four-straight seasons with winning records.
 
"We are very excited to have Coach Strydom leading our women's tennis program. He offers vast experience, teaching knowledge and a track record of successfully developing tennis athletes," said Cook. "We look forward to the impact and leadership that Mike will undoubtedly provide for our women's tennis program as it builds on a rich history of success."
 
Coach Strydom will begin his tenure at Coe College on June 1. 
 
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