Oct. 12, 2011
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - University of Illinois men's tennis head coach Brad Dancer announced the promotion of Marcos Asse to associate head coach on Wednesday. In Asse's two seasons as assistant coach at Illinois, the Illini made NCAA tournament appearances both years, including a trip to the NCAA round of 16. The Orange and Blue finished in the top 20 in both seasons, reaching as high as No. 4 in 2011.
"I'm thrilled that the athletic department recognizes Marcos' fantastic contributions to our tennis program," Dancer said. "It really showcases their continuing belief in what Marcos can bring to Illinois athletics."
Under Asse's guidance, current senior Dennis Nevolo earned All-America honors in 2011, making his first trip to the NCAA singles round of 16. In addition, two Illini earned All-Big Ten accolades in each season with the help of Asse.
"I was contacted this summer for some head coaching positions and it made me reflect on why I came to Illinois," Asse said. "I came to Illinois to win a national title. We have yet to do that in my time here, and it remains a hole that needs to be punched in my career. Illinois is a special place and has all the ingredients to win another national title. I can't thank Athletic Director Mike Thomas, Associate Athletic Director Vince Ille and Dancer enough for allowing me the privilege to coach the best student-athletes in the country and am grateful for the new position. I'm looking forward to hosting the NCAA Championships in 2013 and am extremely excited about the team we have and the team we are putting together to showcase Illinois tennis and make a run at the top spot in college tennis."
Asse came to Illinois after serving five years as an assistant coach and associate head coach at the College of William and Mary. During his time there, Asse helped the Tribe achieve several accomplishments, including a Colonial Athletics Association title, NCAA tournament appearances in 2005 and 2007 and three consecutive 16-win seasons in his final three years with the program. Also in 2007, he helped lead the Tribe to its highest ranking ever and was subsequently promoted from assistant coach to associate head coach. In 2008, he helped three players make the NCAA Individual Championships for the first time in over 60 years at William and Mary.
A 2001 graduate of the University of Florida, Asse walked onto the Florida tennis team as a freshman and earned himself playing time throughout his career. He was a contributor to Florida's 2000 SEC championship team, posting 21 wins in doubles, which ranks 10th in Florida history for a single season.
