ST. PAUL, Minn. – Macalester College Director of Athletics Donnie Brooks has named Ted Lauer the head coach for the men's and women's tennis programs. Lauer had been the teams' interim coach since September.

"I was excited to have Coach Lauer step in as an experienced and successful head coach within the MIAC during the interim period," Brooks said. "Ted worked hard to create a competitive environment and reinforce a supportive team culture within Mac Tennis. The student-athletes responded well to his leadership and vision for the future of the program. We are grateful for Coach Lauer's efforts over the past few months and are excited to name him as the permanent head coach of our tennis programs moving forward."

Lauer spent a total of 10 years at the University of St. Thomas as an assistant and head coach for the Tommies' tennis programs. He worked alongside head coach Terry Peck as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's tennis teams for eight years before becoming the head coach for the men's team from 2017-19. Lauer helped to guide the women's team to the MIAC Playoff championship and a berth in the NCAA Division III tournament in 2015, as well as the 2016 squad that won the MIAC regular-season title. While at St. Thomas, he also coached four ITA All-Americans.

In addition to his experience with the Tommies, Lauer spent 11 years as a tennis professional at Lifetime Fitness and also was an assistant tennis coach for the girls' team at Saint Paul Academy & Summit School.

"I am absolutely thrilled to be at Macalester and coaching in the MIAC; it means the world to me," Lauer said. "This is an incredible opportunity and I'd like to thank Donnie Brooks for giving me the chance. I'm looking forward to a fantastic season with a wonderful group of players."

Lauer, who grew up in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood and went to St. Paul Central, graduated from Saint John's University in 2008 with a degree in biology. He currently lives in Northeast Minneapolis with his family.