Peter Bartlett Named USF Director of Tennis
Pablo Pires de Almeida Moves Into Men's Associate Head Coach Position
Sean Dizon To Serve As Top Men's Assistant
(San Francisco) – Longtime head men's tennis coach Peter Bartlett will move into the newly created position of Director of Tennis at the University of San Francisco as announced today by Director of Athletics Scott Sidwell. The longest tenured head coach at USF, Bartlett will assume responsibilities for both tennis programs effective immediately.
"Coach Bartlett has achieved remarkable success despite some imposing challenges to build a program from the ground up," Sidwell said. "We feel Peter is the perfect person to elevate both programs to new levels of success in both the West Coast Conference and onto the national stage."
Bartlett welcomes the opportunity to expand his responsibilities at USF, where he has served since 1994. After two years as an assistant coach, Bartlett was elevated to head coach for the 1995-96 season.
"I'm excited for a new opportunity to assist with the long term goals of both programs," Bartlett said. "The position has been modeled from our successful USF golf programs and will help stabilize both tennis programs. I see the biggest needs in fundraising, long-term planning and consistent recruiting. We will start by putting together a five-year plan that includes a facility and we will go line-by-line identifying the weaknesses in our tennis programs. The goals of new Athletic Director Scott Sidwell matches our continued desire to compete for titles in the West Coast Conference and get both programs to the NCAA Tournament on a consistent basis."
With Bartlett elevated to the Director of Tennis post, former Dons standout Pablo Pires de Almeida will assume duties as the men's associate head coach from his mentor. A three-time All-WCC selection at USF, Pires de Almeida is in his third season on the Dons coaching staff.
"Pablo has put in some great work over the years he's been involved with our program and has been very instrumental in the recent successes," Bartlett said. "The Associate Head Coach title will just add to the leadership role he's been taking in our development over the years. With Pablo taking on more duties, it will allow me to step away and work more on long-term development of a facility, recruiting and a long-term fundraising plan."
"First off, I want to thank the USF administration for the opportunity to coach at my alma mater," commented Pires De Almeida. "This a great opportunity to continue the athletic advancement of our program. I look forward to leading our program to new heights."
Last season San Francisco men's tennis completed one of the most successful seasons in the modern era. The Dons achieved their highest regional and national (58th) rankings in more than three decades and earlier this fall advanced a singles and doubles team to the ITA Nationals for the first time.
Longtime assistant coach and former Don standout Sean Dizon will continue on the coaching staff with an expanded role.
"Sean Dizon will continue as USF Junior Tennis Director (camps) but will also move into a facility planning and maintenance position with emphasis on special projects," Bartlett said. "In addition, he will begin to take on more responsibility as a recruiting coordinator for the men's program."
Hilary Somers will continue as the head coach of the women's tennis program. A three-time WCC Coach of the Year, Somers has also rebuilt the Dons from the bottom of league standings. Somers recruited and coached three-time WCC Player of the Year and two-time NCAA National Singles qualifier Jennifer Leigh Heinser.
