Giron Returns to Westwood to Coach
January 12, 2016 | Men's Tennis
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – Former UCLA standout Marcos Giron returns to Westwood to join the UCLA men's tennis coaching staff, head coach Billy Martin announced this week. Giron replaces Rikus de Villiers as the team's volunteer assistant coach, after de Villiers left the program to travel as a private coach for young American pro, Ryan Harrison.
“We are extremely excited to have Marcos coming back to UCLA,” said Martin. “Although Rikus will be missed after being such an important part of our coaching staff, Marcos has incredible playing experience. I have extreme confidence in Marcos on the court with the team.”
Giron, the 2014 NCAA men's singles champion, decided to forego his final season of eligibility with the Bruins to turn professional in July 2014. Giron ended his final collegiate season as the nation's No. 1 ranked singles player.
“As a player, Marcos was as hard a worker as we ever had in my thirty plus years here at UCLA,” said Martin. “I know he will expect that out of this team as well. He was also a great strategist on the court and used his mind to find a way to defeat his opponents. Our guys will be able to learn a lot from him.”
The former Bruin, who was the nation's top recruit when he signed with UCLA in 2011, enjoyed a stellar three-year career at UCLA. He ended his junior year with a 30-5 overall singles record and was ranked in the top 10 nationally for nearly the entire season. He played either No. 1 or No. 2 singles in the lineup all year, leading the team in wins over ranked opponents with 18.
Giron entered the 2014 NCAA Singles Championships as the No. 2 seed, eventually winning six-straight matches to become UCLA's 11th NCAA Singles Champion and first since Benjamin Kohlloeffel in 2006. Giron's run culminated with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over Pepperdine's Alex Sarkissian in the final on May 26 in Athens, Ga. For his efforts he was named ITA National Player of the Year following the NCAA Tournament.
In addition to his stellar singles play, Giron was also a standout in doubles, teaming with then freshman Mackenzie McDonald to make up the Bruins' No. 1 team. The duo ended the 2014 season ranked No. 11 nationally, reaching the round of 16 at the NCAA Championships. Giron also ended the season ranked No. 45 in doubles with sophomore Karue Sell.
“The fact that Marcos actually played on the team with a few of our older team members now has created some great energy,” added Martin. "I'm really looking forward to this season."
Players Mentioned
