Men's Tennis | 5/21/2024 9:30:00 AM
HOUGHTON, NY – A familiar face is returning to Houghton University to take the helm of the men's and women's tennis programs. Jordan Crouch, a 2018 Houghton graduate, has been hired as head coach for the programs, Director of Athletics Matthew Webb announced on May 20.
Crouch most recently served as head coach at Empire 8 institution Alfred University where he led the men's and women's programs for the past six seasons. He culminated his stint at Alfred by leading his women's team to the 2023 E8 Title last fall and an appearance at the 2024 NCAA National Tournament this spring. He was also named E8 Women's Coach of the Year after the season. Two of his recruits earned E8 Rookie of the Year honors (2022 and 2023).
In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Crouch served as director of the Saxon Success program, designed to assist student-athletes as they transition to college, develop leadership skills and prepare for a career following their college experience.
Crouch is no stranger to Houghton or the tennis program. The Fillmore native was a four-year member of the Highlander program, earning All-Empire 8 second team honors in singles play as a junior and senior and second team honors in doubles as a senior. He was also Houghton's representative on the E8 Sportsman of the Year team after his junior season.
"I am thrilled to have Coach Crouch back at Houghton. He understands Houghton and is very familiar with the Empire 8 and the tennis recruiting landscape in the northeast," said Webb. "He has demonstrated the ability to recruit and grow the tennis programs at Alfred University, and we anticipate him taking leadership of our programs and building on the success of Houghton tennis.
"Coach Crouch understands our mission at Houghton and is excited to not only grow our program, but also pour into our athletes as young men and women. As a product of Houghton tennis himself, Coach Crouch has a passion for our program, and it is 'coming home' of sorts for us all."
Crouch served as director of the Houghton Tennis Camp in the summer of 2018, and he has also served as a counselor at Royal Family Kids Camp, a program designed to care for and mentor underprivileged children.
"Thank you to Houghton University for allowing me the opportunity to serve their tennis team and student-athletes," said Crouch. "As a lifelong community member and graduate, Houghton is a special place for me and I am thrilled to be back on campus. I join a tennis program that has been very successful and I am honored to build upon that legacy. I can't wait to start connecting with the students and building relationships with them as I prepare for the fall season coming up. Let's go Highlanders!"
Crouch earned his bachelor's degree in sport, recreation and wellness management from Houghton and completed his MBA at Alfred in 2023.
ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit
www.empire8.com.
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