June 14, 2007

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - - Illinois assistant men's tennis coach Kent Kinnear has recently accepted a job with the United State Tennis Association and its Player Development programs as announced head coach Brad Dancer. Kinnear, who during his tenure has helped Illinois tennis continue its dominance in not only the Big Ten Conference but in the nation, is set to become one of 10 USTA national coaches in charge of producing tomorrow's ATP stars.

"It has been an incredible two years for my family and I as we have been welcomed into this great Illini family," Kinnear said about his experience with the Orange and Blue. "I would like to thank Ron Guenther, Vince Ille and the entire DIA for their leadership and support that enabled both Brad and I as coaches and each team member to have the opportunities to excel and succeed here at U of I. A special thanks goes out to Janice Revell, Jim Tressler, Alex Voss and the entire Atkins Tennis Center staff for the incredible work that they do and the support they have given me over the past two years."

Kinnear will begin his duties on July 16 with the USTA player development staff, which is stationed in Boca Raton, Fla., as he will help coach the United States men's tennis team at the Pan American games. The team will consist of the four top collegiate male tennis players from the United States who will compete against players from other south and North American countries. The games will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Kinnear's position is one of great honor within the American tennis community, as other members include David DiLucia, who has previously had coaching stints with Lindsay Davenport and Lisa Raymond; Mike Sell, who coached Monica Seles for two years during which she went 75-18 and won five titles; and Martin Van Daalem, who through his years has worked with tennis greats Pete Sampras, Mary Pierce, Jennifer Capriati and Jared Palmer. The long list of coaches also includes former tour professionals who boast resumes that include over 10 years of ATP tour experience and others with Davis Cup careers, including Ricardo Acuna, Mark Merklein, Roger Smith, David Roditi, David Nainkin and Jay Berger.

"My heart is heavy after communicating with each player on the team of my new opportunity," Kinnear said. "I'll always have a special bond with each one of them. That also goes with sharing the many memories of hard work and accomplishment, as well as experiencing, competing and living. I could not be more proud of this group of special young men. It's time for me to move on, but I will look back at these past two years with a multitude of great memories and smiles. The first word my two year old daughter, Anika, could spell was I-L-L-I-N-I. Speaking on behalf of my wife and family, the University of Illinois will always have a special place in our hearts."

Kinnear has been an integral part of Dancer's staff since his arrival, as both coaches took the reins of the program in 2005. Dancer quickly enlisted the talents of Kinnear as an assistant coach and both have led the Illini to runner-up finishes in the Big Ten Conference and Big Ten Tournament and two straight NCAA Sweet 16 appearances, which includes a national runner-up run this season.

"I am incredibly pleased for Kent and his family to have this prestigious opportunity with USTA Player Development," Dancer said. "Not only will Kent be shaping our country's hopes for future champions, he will continue to serve as a great ambassador for the Illinois program."

Since his arrival in Champaign, Kinnear's leadership has helped Dancer and the Illini remain a top contender in the conference and in the nation, as the coaching tandem has led Illinois to back-to-back 20-win seasons, helped the pair of juniors Kevin Anderson and Ryan Rowe win a NCAA doubles championship in 2006 and finish runner-up in 2007. Most recently the coaching duo guided the Illini to the NCAA finals for only the second time in school history in 2007 where they finished second to undefeated and No. 1-ranked Georgia.

"Kent will always be a dear friend to myself and the Illini family and we wish him the best," Dancer said. "As far as where I am going from here, I am already at work looking for another outstanding individual to join this tremendous Illinois program."

The future of the Illini team remains high as Illinois graduates only one senior from its NCAA finalist squad in 2007 and then looks to return singles and doubles All-Americans Anderson and Rowe, 2008 seniors Ruben Gonzales and Brandon Davis, junior Marc Spicijaric and sophomores Billy Heiser, Sasha Kharkevitch and Jordan Knue to the talented lineup in 2008.

"Lastly, I would like to say a huge thank you to Brad Dancer for his example of leadership and for our friendship," Kinnear said. "He taught me a great deal about persistence, enthusiasm, and what goes in to maximizing potential. I am very thankful for his guidance and friendship and look forward to building on that in the future."