Get to Know: Tom Linhart
The talented administrators, coaches and staff working at our member institutions help to make the Empire 8 Conference successful. And the Get to Know Feature is a way for fans to get a better idea of who these individuals are.
Tom Linhart is the men’s and women’s tennis coach at Elmira College.
Where did you attend college? I attended St. John Fisher College. I double majored in childhood education and special education and was a student-athlete all four year.
What made you chose to attend St. John Fisher College? I chose Fisher based on the team and being closer to home. The experience of the team from my first recruiting visit and them making me believe in the school and the program really solidified my decision. I enjoyed every year I was there.
How long have you been at Elmira? This is my first year as a head coach but I was a graduate assistant for two years at Elmira about 7 years ago with the tennis program and sports information.
What brought you to Elmira? I came back to Elmira for a couple reasons. Number one was to be back in NY and the E8 conference. It’s a unique opportunity to have played in the E8 conference and now coach. Elmira is a place where you can have success. We have a great foundation and I thought I could give back having been an alum and really build something here to be proud of.
What is the best thing about the Elmira Campus? It’s a great feel of a college campus. Elmira is old but has a new feel in a lot of ways. It’s a beautiful campus in the middle of a great area.
What is the first word that comes to mind when you hear ‘Elmira’? Tradition
Who has been the most influential person during your career? A couple people have guided me through my coaching and playing career. The first is my father. I had the benefit to be coached by him in college and then I have coached against him. We have a great working relationship. And then the athletes I have worked with and I have learned a lot of lessons from them.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I get spare time I like to golf and be outdoors. And of course relax, see friends and travel.
Top three things on your bucket list?
Travel cross-country by train
Golfing at least one or two of the major sites
Going to the Masters and/or Wimbledon
What is something most people don’t know about you? I was an art student in high school and almost went to college for Art.
Rapid Fire questions
Favorite food: India
Favorite Band/Musician: Dispatch
Favorite TV show: Son’s of Anarchy
Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Book: Harry Potter series
Favorite Place to visit: Denver
One thing you can’t live without: Friends and family
Pet Peeve: Selfishness