After over two months of searching, NIU has a new men’s tennis coach.

Pawel Gajdzik takes over for Pontus Hiort, who resigned in May to pursue other career opportunities.

“It’s an honor to have been selected as the men’s tennis coach at Northern Illinois,” Gajdzik said. “The school’s high standards and commitment to academic and athletic success makes NIU a very exciting place to be.”

Gajdzik comes from Baylor University, where he has been an assistant coach since 2002. During Gajdzik’s tenure in Waco, Baylor advanced to the NCAA Tournament every season, winning the national championship in 2004 and finishing second in 2005.

Gajdzik also mentored NCAA singles champions in 2004 and 2005. Baylor has had five All-Americans since 2003.

“Pawel is a wonderful addition to the Huskie family,” Said NIU Athletic Director Jeff Compher. “He knows what it takes to perform at a championship level, both as a coach and as a student-athlete. I am confident that great things lie ahead for the NIU men’s tennis team.”

Gajdzik played collegiate tennis at Baylor from 1997-2000. He was the Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and the Big 12 champion at No. 3 singles in 1998. Gajdzik and teammate Johann Jooste won the 2000 Big 12 title at No. 2 doubles.

Following his senior season, Gajdzik served as the tennis professional at Walnut Creek Country Club, located in Mansfield, Texas.

During his stay at Walnut Creek, Gajdzik was responsible for all junior development and travel team programs and led his squad to the USTA Junior Team Tennis Texas state championship and a berth in the National Tournament. Many of the junior competitors went on to earn collegiate tennis scholarships.

A native of Poland, Gajdzik competed for the Polish Junior National Team from 1989-97.