Barber accepts position of women's tennis coach at Edgewood College

Courtesy of Edgewood College, Sports Information Department

MADISON, Wis. -- Edgewood College has named Robert Barber as the school's next head coach for women's tennis Director of Athletics Al Brisack announced today. Barber is a USPTR certified tennis professional with 10 years of coaching experience and a former standout student-athlete.

"Edgewood College was the exact fit I was looking for, a Catholic institution where I can further develop my coaching philosophies at this level," said Barber. "I look forward to bringing my knowledge to help the team not only develop their athletic abilities, but develop their professional abilities as well."

Barber is a former player at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and three-sport athlete and No. 1 doubles player at Montana State University-Billings, where he is a member of the Athletic Hall of Fame in men's volleyball, soccer, and tennis. Barber began coaching championship high school, junior, and adult league teams at the Santa Maria (Calif.) Country Club in 1997, in addition to developing summer camps and training programs, until 2001.

Since 2001 Barber has worked at various racquet clubs and tennis facilities honing his personal teaching philosophies that focus on motion, relaxed form, and "execution."

Barber, 32, was tested by USPTA and USPTR Master Professional Ken DeHart and worked with former USPTA Northern California Division president Corky Cramer, who is credited for developing over 25 Davis Cup and Federation Cup players, at Montecito Heights Health and Racquet Club in Santa Rosa, Calif.

"I am excited to have Rob Barber taking the reigns of our women's tennis Program," said Brisack. "Rob will bring a wealth of experience as a former collegiate student-athlete, instructor and coach. He has had the opportunity to work with some outstanding tennis professionals and has a proven ability to help players reach their potential. It was obvious from the first conversation and through the interview process that Edgewood College is where Rob wants to be. We are very confident he will build on the tradition of the outstanding coaches we have had in the past."

Barber holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montana State University-Billings in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Organizational Communications and the equivalent in Mass Communications, in addition to a minor in Coaching.