Virginia Commonwealth University named former Georgia Statestandout Martin Stiegwardt an assistant tenniscoach in September 2011. Stiegwardt provides instruction toboth the Rams men's and women's squads.
Prior to joining VCU, Stiegwardt was the Executive Director ofTennis at SportsQuest Tennis Academy in Richmond, while alsoserving as Tennis Pro and Junior Academy Director at Willow OaksCountry Club.
"We're very excited to add Martin to our coaching staff," saidVCU Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach PaulKostin. "He has succeeded at every level throughouthis career and his experience will be a great addition to ourprogram here at VCU."
Stiegwardt played parts of his first two collegiate seasons atthe University of Florida (2003-04) before transferring to GeorgiaState (2005-07). As a senior, the Quito, Ecuador native wasthe Panthers' No. 1 singles and doubles player and led the team tothe 2007 Colonial Athletic Association championship, where he wasnamed the tournament's Most Outstanding Performer. That sameyear, Stiegwardt was part of the highest team ranking in schoolhistory (No. 33), while also holding the program's best-eversingles and doubles rankings.
During his prep days, Stiegwardt ranked as high as No. 40 insingles and No. 24 in doubles by the International TennisFederation. In addition to playing in the Davis Cup in 2002,he competed in Wimbledon and Roland Garos junior events and was thenational singles and doubles champion in the Under-12, 14, 16 and18 age groups in Ecuador.
Stiegwardt, who was named to the Athletic Director's Honor Rollwhile receiving the CAA Commissioner's Award during his final twoseasons at Georgia State, graduated in 2007 with a bachelor'sdegree in Business Management.
