The University of Denver has named Danny Westerman head coach of its men’s tennis program. The former Wisconsin Big Ten Medal of Honor winner replaces Geoff Young.
Westerman comes to Denver after serving three years as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin. The Los Angeles native was a four-year letterwinner and Big Ten Medal of Honor winner during his illustrious career for the Badgers from 1998-2002. Westerman replaces Geoff Young as head coach of the Pioneers. Young guided DU to a 71-68 record over six seasons, including a program-best fourth-place finish at the 2005 Sun Belt Conference Tournament.
Peg Bradley-Doppes, athletics vice chancellor announced Westerman’s appointment.
“Danny is a great teacher and motivator,” Bradley-Doppes said. “He has a strong passion for both tennis and academics. Danny will be a great fit for DU.”
Westerman is one of the most successful men’s tennis players in UW history, compiling a 92-53 record in singles play. The 92 career wins ranks fourth in Badger history, while his .634 winning percentage ranks eighth all-time. He also registered a 63-47 doubles record in his four seasons. Westerman was Wisconsin’s 2002 Big Ten Medal of Honor winner following his senior season with the Badgers. During the fall of 2001, he became the first UW player to win the ITA Midwest Regional championship. Westerman posted a 27-12 record in 2002 and finished the season ranked 29th in the nation. He also earned his first trip to the NCAA singles championship that year, becoming one of only 16 Badgers since 1950 to do so.
Westerman was a three-time All-Big Ten pick, making him just the fifth Badger in school history to accomplish the feat. He earned three Academic All-Big Ten selections in his career and was the 2001-02 team co-captain.
“I want to thank the University of Denver athletic administration for this opportunity,” Westerman said. “DU is making a strong commitment to its athletics programs. I was very impressed with the facilities and overall management of the entire athletic department. I am looking forward to getting on the court and working with the student-athletes.”
Following his career at Wisconsin, Westerman went on to play professionally, earning a world ranking in both singles and doubles as well as a Top 100 ranking among United States professional players. He returned to his alma mater as an assistant coach in 2004. Westerman helped guide Nolan Polley to the 2005 Big Ten Men’s Tennis fall singles title and Jeremy Sonkin to three Big Player of the Week honors during the 2006 spring season.
Westerman graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management from Wisconsin in 2002 and earned his MBA from the School of Business at UW in 2005.
“We have hired a very energetic coach who will continue to advance the success or our men’s tennis program,” Senior Associate Athletics Director Ron Grahame said. “Danny is highly respected by his peers in college tennis.”
Westerman assumes his men’s tennis head coaching duties Sept. 8.