A former NIU head tennis coach, Carl Neufeld, was named head men’s tennis coach at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

“It was a tough decision but we believe we found the right man for the job,” said SMU Director of Athletics Forrest Gregg.

“I’m really excited,” Neufeld said. “There’s a world of potential, not only for tennis, but the whole athletic program.”

Neufeld was the head tennis coach at NIU for nine years before becoming assistant tennis coach at the University of Southern California in 1990. In 1980, Neufeld was the youngest tennis coach in the nation at age 22.

“Carl has a great track record as a head coach and an assistant coach,” Gregg said. “We believe he will make the SMU men’s tennis team a winner.”

While serving as the assistant coach at USC, Neufeld helped lead the Trojans to three Pac-10 titles from 1991-1993. Additionally, the team won the 1991 and 1993 NCAA Championships.

While at NIU, Neufeld, with a 177-103 (.632) record, became the winningest coach in NIU history.

“I learned more at Northern than any other place,” Neufeld said.

Neufeld expressed thanks to John Wrenn, Orv Kersten and Jerry Ippoliti for helping him become a good coach while at NIU.

“USC owes NIU a little,” Neufeld said.

“Carl will do an excellent job,” said John Wrenn, his former coach at NIU . “He was an excellent player and he has done a good job wherever he’s been.”

As a player from 1976-79, Neufeld was a two-time captain for the Huskies and was named most valuable player after his senior season.