Women's Tennis | 1/21/2026 9:50:00 AM
ONEONTA, N.Y. - Executive Director of Athletics, Paul Vecchio has announced the recent appointment of Mario Hernandez as Head Coach of the Women's Tennis program.
Hernandez possesses 20 years of tennis experience as both a coach and private instructor. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Tennis Coach at the University of New England before spending time as the Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach at Southwestern College, a National Association of Intercollegiate (NAIA) institution in Winfield, Kansas.
Hernandez replaces Samantha Butcher who has transitioned to a full-time administrative role within the athletic department as Assistant Athletic Director after building Hartwick's women's tennis program into a regional power, capturing three Empire 8 titles in the past four years.
"I am elated to welcome Mario to our Hawk family and for the passion and care he will bring to our women's tennis program," stated Vecchio. "Mario's deep love for the game of tennis, his commitment to building strong relationships with his student-athletes, and his excitement about Hartwick College were evident throughout the interview process. I look forward to what he will bring to a championship-level program that is in the midst of one of the most successful runs in Hartwick Athletics history."
In addition to his time at Southwestern, Hernandez's coaching and teaching resume includes stops at Arlington Lamar High School, Azle High School, Palo Duro High School (each located in Texas), as well as the Alex O'Brien Foundation and Tascosa Country Club. He served in the United States Navy, earning an admiral's letter citation for commended performance, in addition to a pair of captain's letter citations for commended performance
"I would like to thank
Paul Vecchio, Samantha Butcher, and the search committee for the opportunity to lead the Hawks of Hartwick College," said Hernandez. "I am incredibly excited to take the reins of a successful program that has been built and shaped by Coach Butcher, and I look forward to continuing the tradition of success she has established."