APPLETON, Wis. -- Eric Schacht is the new leader of the Lawrence University tennis programs, Director of Athletics Jason Imperati announced today.
    Schacht, a 1990 Lawrence graduate, will serve as the head coach for both the men's and women's teams.
    "I have been a part of Lawrence University tennis for 35 years," Schacht said. "My experience as a student-athlete at LU was transformative and has impacted so much of my life and accomplishments. I can't wait to impart my love of the game and my love for this incredible institution upon the Viking tennis teams. We will work, grow, learn, improve and achieve together."
    Schacht, who also serves as university counsel, brings more than a decade of coaching experience to the Lawrence tennis programs.
    "We are so excited to welcome Eric as our new head men's and women's tennis coach," Imperati said. "Eric's passion for our university stems from his playing days as a student-athletes here at Lawrence. I am eager to see what he can accomplish now as the leader of our program." 
    An Illinois native, Schacht was a two-time Illinois High School Association State Championships qualifier while attending Champaign Central High School. Schacht began his coaching career back at Champaign Central and guided the Maroons girls squad from 1994-96. Schacht then served as a volunteer assistant with the University of Illinois women's team in 1997.
    Schacht earned his law degree from Illinois in 2006 and also served as the Champaign Centennial High School girls coach in 2005. He coached the Mahomet High School girls team from 2011-17 and was the girls coach at Champaign St. Thomas More High School in 2019. Schacht also was named the United States Tennis Association Stanley Malless Volunteer Coach of Year in 2013.
    Schacht had a distinguished college career at Lawrence while earning a bachelor's degree in government. The first Lawrence player to qualify for the NCAA Division III Championships, Schacht was invited to play in the national tournament as a senior. 
    A two-time team Most Valuable Player, Schacht also served as the Lawrence captain. When Schacht graduated, he was tied with Lawrence Hall of Famer Pat Kenney '68 for the top spot on the school's career singles wins list with 36 victories and put together a sparkling 17-3 home singles record during his career. Also an All-Midwest Conference performer in doubles, Schacht earned a regional ranking and was the top-ranked NCAA Division III player in Wisconsin.
    The Lawrence women open their season Sept. 2 when the Vikings host Lakeland University on the Lawrence Courts.