JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (March 8, 2023) – East Tennessee State University men’s tennis head coach Martin Stiegwardt announced on Wednesday that this will be his last season leading the Buccaneer program.

“It has been an honor to coach at ETSU for the past six seasons,” said Stiegwardt. “I am extremely thankful to Doc (Dr. Richard Sander) for giving me the opportunity to lead this program and for believing in me six years ago. At this point in my life, I have decided to switch gears and focus my time on family. ETSU has changed my life in many ways and Johnson City will always remain as a home for me. We have had tremendous success on and off the court, but the most important thing has been the people that have passed through the program and the impact they have made. I know the program will be in great hands under Doc’s leadership and I will always support the Bucs to continue the success that has been passed along for many years. To everyone who helped and supported me throughout the years, I want to say I am very thankful for everything and for each one of you. Go Bucs!”

Stiegwardt, who was named head coach in the summer of 2017, has led the Bucs to an overall record of 80-42 and an impressive 24-0 mark in Southern Conference play over the last six seasons. The Bucs have won three regular season SoCon titles and four SoCon Tournament championships under Stiegwardt’s watch in the Blue & Gold.

“We want to thank Martin for his time and service in leading our men’s tennis program over the last six years,” said ETSU Athletic Director Dr. Richard Sander. “Under his guidance, the Bucs continued excelling both on the court and in the classroom. We wish Martin the best of luck in his future endeavors.”

To go with his .656-win percentage, Martin has coached 21 all-SoCon selections, two SoCon Player of the Year award winners and one SoCon Freshman of the Year. Martin was also tabbed SoCon Coach of the Year in 2022 where he led the Bucs to a 20-7 overall record and a fourth straight perfect run in conference play.

In the classroom, the Bucs totaled 15 SoCon All-Academic Team selections and 23 ITA Scholar-Athlete honors, along with earning ITA All-Academic Team recognition in 2019 and 2020 for having a team grade-point-average of 3.20 or higher each year.

A national search to find Martin’s replacement will begin immediately.

For more information on Buccaneer men’s tennis, visit ETSUBucs.com and click on the men’s tennis page.