UC Santa Cruz Department of Athletics & Recreation has hired Ross Pytko as Head Coach for Men's Tennis after a nationwide search.
 
Pytko, a former assistant at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, becomes the sixth head coach in the program's storied history. During his time in Cambridge, MIT qualified for the last four NCAA Division III Tournaments, making it to the Sweet Sixteen in 2023.
 
"I'm honored and thrilled to take over as the head coach at UC Santa Cruz," Pytko said. "The Banana Slugs have such a strong history of success in men's tennis and I'm so excited about the prospects of more great accomplishments on the court and in the classroom."

Interim Director of Athletics and Recreation Courtnie Prather said "it was of utmost importance to find a partner who possessed a deep understanding of the legacy of our Men's Tennis program, had the necessary experience to continue its growth, and was committed to providing top-notch athletic opportunities for student-athletes in a respectful and educational environment that embodies the NCAA Division III philosophy and UC Santa Cruz's 'Principles of Community'. Ross is a diligent recruiter with a proven track record of success on the court and in the classroom. He is a compassionate leader who is dedicated to the growth and development of student-athletes into champions."
 
Pytko played four years at Boston College, graduating in 2004 with a degree in Psychology. He went on to earn a law degree from Suffolk University in Boston before beginning his coaching career.
 
The Banana Slugs open the season next month when they compete at the ITA Fall Regional Championships in Claremont.