WildCats Name Sunwall First Men's Tennis Coach

Lynchburg, VA --- The last four months have been marked by historical events on the campus of Randolph-Macon Woman's College. On September 9, the Board of Trustee's announced a strategic plan that will make the college coed in the fall of 2007. On December 9, the new name of the college-Randolph College-was announced to the public.  

Today, the WildCat Athletics Department announced the hiring of Paul Sunwall, the program's first-ever men's tennis coach. Sunwall is familiar with the WildCat athletics program, having served as the women's assistant coach for the past two seasons.

"I am excited to be a part of starting the men's tennis program at Randolph College and look forward to the tasks that lie ahead in recruiting student-athletes who want to be challenged both on the tennis court and in the classroom," says Sunwall.

In addition to working with the WildCat women's team, Sunwall has volunteered with several local high schools teams, including Heritage High School and Jefferson Forest High School.

An avid tennis player, Sunwall has been playing the sport for over 40 years. He plays competitively at the local level, having won many Lynchburg tournaments in men's singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Sunwall has also competed in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) League for many years, advancing to regionals several times in both men's and mixed divisions. Sunwall has been a member of the USTA since 1990.

Sunwall earned a degree in business administration from Southwest Minnesota State. During his junior year, he helped start the school's men's tennis program. Sunwall is well-known in the Lynchburg community for his affiliation with the Lynchburg Baseball Corporation. He has been the general manger of Lynchburg Hillcats minor league baseball team since 1987.

"Paul's familiarity with the program will make for a smooth transition as he establishes the new men's team," says Athletics Director Valerie Cushman. "I am looking forward to watching the team compete under Paul's tutelage next year."

The WildCat men's tennis team will start intercollegiate competition in 2007-2008, competing in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC). Sunwall will spend the next few months recruiting for the new program. "My goal is to recruit, mentor, and coach student-athletes who will immediately contribute to the success of the new men's tennis program and help establish a recognized program that will win matches and compete for ODAC Championships in the near future," says Sunwall.

This release is courtesy of the Randolph-Macon Woman's College sports information office.