EDINBURG - The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics announced on Tuesday the hiring of former University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) men's tennis standout
Brett Bernstein as the new men's tennis head coach.
"It's a great day for UTRGV tennis," UTRGV Director of Athletics
Chris King said. "Brett is the perfect coach to lead our program and continue laying the foundation to get into a competitive position to win WAC Championships. As a former UTPA student-athlete and one of our best tennis student-athletes in the last decade, he possesses the highest of qualities we sought in our new coach. His energy and playing experience will aid in our player development and provide UTRGV tennis with the proper elements for success in the WAC and in the future on a national stage. I could not be more excited to add an alum and an individual of Brett's character to our coaching staff."
Bernstein was a member of the UTPA men's tennis team from 2006-10, serving as team captain from 2007-10. As a senior, he earned First Team All-Southland Conference honors in singles. In doubles, he teamed with his brother Beau to post a 15-5 record at the No. 1 spot, earning Second Team All-Southland Conference honors.
Bernstein also performed well in the classroom, achieving a perfect 4.0 grade point average en route to spots on the Dean's and President's Lists during each of his final four semesters. He was also an Academic All-Southland Conference honoree during each of his final two seasons.
Additionally, Bernstein was an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
"I am thrilled and humbled to be back in the great state of Texas and especially at my alma mater," Bernstein said. "UTRGV's growth in the past couple of years has been amazing to see.
Chris King has done a phenomenal job with the athletic program and I believe it's ready for great things. I had a lot of pride getting to represent the university as a former student-athlete and now I can get to come back and do it again as the program's new head coach. I can't think of a bigger honor."
Bernstein spent last season as an assistant coach at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he assisted in recruiting and scheduling for the Cougars. He guided the Cougars at the Oracle Collegiate Invite, where BYU's
Keaton Cullimore won the men's singles championship. Bernstein had a big hand in attracting the Intercollegiate Tennis Association Summer Circuit Series to BYU and in landing the tournament bid for 2015.
Bernstein worked at the University of North Carolina Greensboro (UNCG) as an assistant coach from 2012-14 and an associate head coach in the fall of 2014. During his first season, Bernstein helped guide the team to the 2014 SoCon semifinals while coaching three student-athletes to All-Conference honors. He also helped with fundraising and scheduling as he formed the first-ever North Carolina Showdown rivalry series between UNCG and UNC Charlotte.
In 2012-13, Bernstein helped two of the Spartans' doubles teams to national rankings and guided seven student-athletes to All-Conference honors. He helped coach the team to 15 dual match victories on their way to an ITA ranking of 78.
After graduation, Bernstein worked as a staff professional at Sweetwater Country Club for two and a half years. There, he worked with his dad,
Buck Bernstein, who was an All-American at Texas State in 1978. Brett Bernstein assisted in developing the Elite Junior Program, where he taught fundamentals and advanced strategy to players at various levels of the game.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT BRETT BERNSTEIN
Phil Hendrie, John Newcombe Tennis Academy Director
Brett is a rock solid person and he is a person I have admired in the Texas tennis programs. I have coached a lot of kids that have played against him and he has always been a class individual on and off the court. I also knew him as a college player and I was so impressed with his improvements. The main thing is that he is a rock solid person through and through. He loves the game of tennis and loves to coach. I wish him all the best.
Mario Hernandez, Lipscomb University Men's Tennis Head Coach
Brett and I have known each other since I was eight years old. He comes from a strong tennis family and he is a passionate coach. With him being an alum, he is a perfect hire for UTRGV. He is a young and hungry young coach with plenty of experience. I really wish him the best.
Mike Murray, Indiana University Men's Tennis Assistant Coach
I am really excited to hear that Brett was named the head coach for his alma mater. I think that any time a school can find a young motivated coach who played for that school, I think you are getting the best of everything. I have been around Brett and I know he knows the game. I know he is passionate about it. I know he is a great team guy and I have the utmost confidence he will do a great job for his alma mater.
Brett Ross, Georgia State University Men's Tennis Head Coach
Brett is one of the top young coaches in the country. He is very motivated and shows great commitment to his players and building programs as a whole. He will do great things at UTRGV.
Brad Pierce, Brigham Young University Men's Tennis Head Coach
Brett has made a great contribution in a short time here at BYU. He comes from a well-known and respected tennis family from Texas. He made his mark at UTPA as a player and has a great love and head for the game. Among all of the many things that set him apart as an up and coming coach will be his tireless work ethic and people skills. Brett is an extremely likable person and can connect with anyone. His interpersonal skills and commitment to pursue excellence will help him to attract a whole new caliber of players to UTRGV as a recruiter. I am sorry to see him go, but I believe it's his time, with this opportunity, to take the reigns. He will always be a personal friend of mine, my family's and the BYU tennis family. UTRGV is fortunate to get such a young, talented and ambitious coach and I wish him and UTRGV great success with a new era and commitment to their tennis program.