Sterling College announced the launch of the men’s and women’s tennis program, beginning in the 2017-18 fall season. Additionally, Lonnie Isaac has been named head coach of the Sterling College tennis program. Isaac, an accomplished coach, comes to Sterling from Bethel College, where he established a strong and successful tennis program over the past decade.

“We are so excited to add these tennis programs to Warrior Athletics. We are pleased to have a coach of Lonnie’s character and experience, who is respected and known statewide. He brings with him values that fit the mission of Sterling College. We look forward to a bright future for our tennis program led by Coach Isaac,” said Gary Kempf, athletic director.

Isaac will also provide experience and service to the Sterling College Office of Admissions as an athletic representative and liaison for recruiting during the 2016-17 academic year.

Prior to coming to Sterling, Isaac was the head coach at Bethel College in North Newton, Kansas, for the men’s and women’s tennis programs since 2006. At Bethel, Isaac coached the women’s team to compete in eight straight KCAC Championships, winning six in a row from 2009 to 2014 and qualified for the NAIA National Tennis Championships five times. The women’s team won 37 straight KCAC dual matches between 2009-14, and the men’s team also played in the KCAC Championship match in 2007 and 2010. His overall women’s coaching record is 163-100 (KCAC: 76-26) and his overall men’s record in 115-122 (KCAC: 57-47).

“I am very thankful to Athletic Director Gary Kempf and President Scott Rich for providing me with this opportunity. Sterling has a strong reputation both athletically and academically but most importantly, is a strong Christian community that is consistent with its message and mission. It will be refreshing for me to focus on recruiting for the College and the tennis program this upcoming year. I can't wait to get started and look forward to what God has in store for my family and me as a Warrior,” said Isaac.

Isaac is a graduate of Bethel College and a Hillsboro native. He and his wife, Tracy, reside in Hesston with their three children: Tessa, Rhain, and Logan.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.