Rutger "Rudy" Vliegenberg is entering his first season as assistant coach for the Xavier University men's and women's tennis teams. He will be involved with all aspects of the program including team practices, individual workouts, recruiting, and the academic progress for both teams.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Rudy and seeing the positive impact he will have on our student-athletes," head coach Eric Toth said. "Rudy left Washburn as an accomplished singles and doubles player and has also been involved the last two summers working with top ranked juniors at two of the most prestigious tennis academies in the United States.

"Rudy is excited to get started with our student-athletes and also eager to get started with me recruiting kids to Xavier who will continue to elevate the program. His efforts and experience will push us to the level that will keep us at the top of the Atlantic 10 and help us compete for conference championships year after year, as well as make us more competitive on a national level."

A native of Mierlo, Holland, Vliegenberg recently earned a psychology degree from Washburn University. While at Washburn, Vliegenberg served as team captain for the tennis squad all four years he was a member. He was the Midwest's region (Division II) Most Valuable Player in 2006 and 2007 and ended the 2008 season ranked # 26 in doubles in the final Division II national rankings.

Vliegenberg has spent his last two summers working with ITF ranked juniors at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and the Evert Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Fla.

He is currently enrolled in Xavier's M.B.A. program in addition to his coaching duties.