Pennington Earns Contract Extension

Colgate Tennis Coach Enters 17th Season in 2022-23

HAMILTON – Colgate University Vice President and Director of Athletics Nicki Moore has announced the contract extension of Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach Bobby Pennington through 2027.

Pennington is entering his 17th season at the helm of the men's and women's tennis teams. With 279 total wins in his career between both programs, Colgate men's and women's tennis have continued to showcase success in Pennington's second decade as the head coach.

"Coach Pennington has worked diligently to improve Colgate's men's and women's tennis programs both competitively and experientially," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Nicki Moore. "I appreciate his ability to develop the talents of student-athletes, and to celebrate their successes. The team has achieved excellence in their academic pursuits, and has made competitive strides during Coach Pennington's tenure. He is a tireless advocate for Colgate women's, and men's tennis, and the future is bright with him at the helm of these programs."

On the men's side, he sports a 152-145 record and the team enjoyed five consecutive winning seasons from 2014-2018. His 152 career wins rank third among the program's head coaches. He ranks second all-time in women's program history with 127 career head coaching victories.

"I would first like to thank Nicki Moore for working diligently to get this contract negotiated and settled," Pennington shared. "I would also like to thank my wife, Jenny, for being my biggest supporter and helping me become a better coach every year. I believe there is no culture like Colgate Tennis blending a competitive atmosphere with so much loyalty, fun, and banter."

Since arriving in Hamilton in 2006, Pennington has coached a Patriot League Player of the Year, two Rookies of the Year, and 31 All-Patriot League performers. Seven different Raiders have also been named Patriot League Players of the Month during his time as the head coach.

During the 2021-22 campaign, Pennington led the women's team to its best season since 2012-2013, recording 11 wins and defeating Lehigh for the first time since 2013. Additionally, he guided the men's team to another strong season, tallying nine wins and helping junior Jack Selati garner Second Team All-Patriot League honors.

Navigating through the abbreviated 2020-21 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pennington helped guide both tennis teams to successful seasons. The men's team finished the regular season with a 3-2 Patriot League record and saw the Raiders defeat Boston University for the first time since the Terriers joined the Patriot League. Prior to the pandemic, both teams were off to 7-2 starts.

Pennington's success has been longstanding since arriving in Hamilton. He guided the women's tennis program to the Patriot League Tournament semifinals in each of his first seven seasons from 2017-13. The men's side posted five straight winning seasons from 2014-18, including a program-record 15 victories en route to the Patriot League semifinals in 2018.

Looking ahead, Pennington is confident Colgate Tennis is poised to continue the program's success. "With an outstanding incoming class, quality returners, and Coach Sandler back for a fourth year, we look to have winning seasons and make noise in the league."

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Players Mentioned

Jack Selati: 5' 11"; Senior

Players Mentioned

Jack Selati
: 5' 11"; Senior