Chen to Lead SMU Men's Tennis
June 05, 2018 | Men's Tennis
LOS ANGELES โ Grant Chen has been named head men's tennis coach at Southern Methodist University, SMU Director of Athletics Rick Hart announced Tuesday.
Chen, who replaces the departed Carl Neufeld, served UCLA head coach Billy Martin for over 15 years in a multitude of roles, ranging from team manager to associate head coach.
"A sad day having to announce that Grant Chen is leaving our program after so many years of being an intricate part of everything we do here with men's tennis at UCLA, as well as our summer camps," said Martin. "He's just been a spark plug and so helpful to me and to all the players that have come through our program for 15, 20 years plus.
"We're all, again, so sad, but so happy for him as he takes on a really new, exciting chapter of his life."
During Chen's six years on Martin's coaching staff, the Bruins registered a 149-28 record (.842) and reached the quarterfinal round of the NCAA Championships five times. This past season, UCLA posted its third semifinal-round appearance of the stretch and totaled 30 wins for the first time in Martin's storied tenure. The Bruins also collected four Pac-12 regular-season titles and three tournament trophies during Chen's time at Martin's right hand.
In addition to the team success, a number of UCLA players have achieved individual accolades in recent years. In May, the pair of Martin Redlicki and Evan Zhu collected the 13th NCAA doubles title in program history and second in three years. Redlicki also teamed with Mackenzie McDonald for the crown in 2016. It was an historic year for McDonald, who became just the fifth Bruin to sweep the singles and doubles championships.
Chen got his start with the Bruins as a student manager in 2001, as he played a pivotal role in the organization and growth of Martin's annual on-campus summer camp while fulfilling necessary off-court duties not limited to providing food and laundry services to team members. The Bruins captured the NCAA title in 2005, Chen's penultimate year in the role. Chen's jack-of-all-trades skillset resulted in his hiring as Director of Operations upon his graduation from UCLA in 2006. He handled logistics, travel, equipment and management of all home events, including ITA Kick-Off Weekend, NCAA Regionals and the Southern California Intercollegiate Championships.
"I still remember the day I met Grant as he was in his freshman year wanting to help out in some way with the team," Martin remembered. "And it's come to this where he's now secured a great head-coaching job at SMU."
A fixture in the tennis community both at home and abroad, Chen currently serves on the board of directors for ITA and USTA Southern California. A busy summer 2017 saw Chen guide Team Southern California to the title at the USTA Boys National Team Championships in Champaign, Ill. before leading USA Team and the mixed doubles duo of Bruins Jada Hart and Logan Staggs to a bronze medal at the 29th Summer Universiade in Taipei. Chen briefly ventured into a role with Pure Sports Management in 2007, but maintained his ties to UCLA as head coach of its club tennis team.
"After entering UCLA as a freshman in September 2000, I am finally graduating and leaving Westwood," said Chen. "I would to thank Coach Billy Martin for taking a chance on a young, ambitious college student back in March 2001 and being my mentor and friend for nearly two decades. The belief that Dan Guerrero and Chris Carlson have placed in me over the years will also not be forgotten. Finally, I want the playersโpast and presentโto know that just because I am leaving, my friendship and guidance will not.
"It has been a remarkable journey and UCLA will always be a special place to me. I look forward to following Bruin Nation as an alum and fan."
Players Mentioned
