Mario Panzic enters his first season as a graduate assistant tennis coach for Western Illinois. Prior to coming to Western, Panzic played collegiate tennis at Bradley, graduating in May 2005.

In his four years at Bradley, Panzic recorded 43 singles victories and 36 doubles wins. He collected his most singles wins during his junior year with 13 and recorded 12 doubles victories his senior season. During his freshman year, Panzic won the Braves’ Most Improved Player award. Panzic was also named to Bradley’s Athletic Director’s Honor Roll.

Born in Makarska, Croatia, Panzic came to the United States in 2000 and attended Washington (Ill.) High School. As a senior, he was the regional and sectional champion, named the team MVP and selected as the Peoria Journal Star Tennis Player of the Year. Panzic compiled a 32-2 overall record and placed in the top 32 at the Illinois State Tournament.

Panzic is pursuing a master degree in political science with a concentration in international science from Western Illinois.