Ryan Sachire named coach

Staff report

NOTRE DAME, Ind.

Notre Dame men’s associate head tennis coach Ryan Sachire, a Canfield High graduate, has been named the 2011 men’s USTA collegiate coach.

Sachire and assistant Alabama coach, Bo Hodge, who also coached last year’s team, will coach 12 of the top American collegiate tennis players.

“I couldn’t be more proud and excited than I am to have been selected as one of the two USTA national collegiate team coaches,” Sachire said. “Knowing the quality of the other candidates who applied for this job, I am truly humbled to have been chosen to lead this group of elite American-born college players into action this summer.”

The program began in 1996 and is funded by the USTA. It provides players with exposure to the USTA Pro Circuit in a team-oriented environment. For the players who are chosen, there will be a Pro Tour Transition camp from June 9-15 in Boca Raton, Fla., on clay courts.

Team members will be selected based on their performance at the NCAA championships from May 19-30, as well as the ITA All-Americans and national indoor championships. The selection committee will also examine results from the USTA Pro Circuit, ATP or WTA events also will be considered. Current pros who have participated in the program are James Blake, Bob Bryan, Mike Bryan, John Isner, Amer Delic, Jesse Levine, Irina Falconi and Jesse Witten.

Sachire is no stranger to the USTA pro circuit as he spent five years competing in the program, winning 16 double titles. Prior to being on the pro circuit, Sachire was a standout tennis player for the Irish. He was defeated by current pro, James Blake in the ITA All-American Championships and was named the 2000 ITA national senior player of the year. He was also a three-time member of the USTA Collegiate Team.