By: Erin Beck
TAMPA, Fla. (June 20, 2018) – University of South Florida head men's tennis coach
Ashley Fisher named
Alexander Centenari assistant coach for the squad.
Centenari previously held the position of volunteer assistant coach for the team, and made an important impact helping lead the Bulls to their fifth straight appearance in the American Championship match.
"We are very excited to offer Alexander this opportunity to help us create something special with our tennis program," said Fisher. "Last spring, Xander quickly bonded with our guys and played a big role in developing a new culture. Everything he has done in life has been about being his best. He fits in perfectly with our philosophy at USF."
Centenari brings four years of professional tennis experience, and three years of coaching experience to the Bulls. He graduated from Dartmouth in 2013 as a premiere player on a record-setting Big Green team. After leaving Dartmouth, Centenari played singles and doubles in more than 100 professional tournaments across 22 different countries. He reached the finals in three tournaments during his last 18 months of play and was ranked No. 536 in doubles and No. 1,249 in singles by the ATP.
Centenari began professional coaching in 2016, when he coached Sami Reinwein to a career-high ATP ranking at No. 488 as well as nine ITF Futures semifinal appearances and one ITF Futures final. In 2017, Centenari coached Gonzalo Escobar to a career-high ATP ranking at No. 281 in singles and coached him to his first ITF Futures pro singles title since 2014.
"I'm really happy to be selected as the assistant coach for the Bulls," said Centenari. "I've spent the last five months here as a volunteer, so I feel I've already developed a deep bond with our returning guys and look forward to getting to know the guys that are coming in. I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from Ashley and help this program develop."
Be sure to follow USF men's tennis on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. Head coach Ashley Fisher will begin his third year at the helm of the program for the 2019 season after leading the Bulls to their fifth straight appearance in The American Championship.
– #GoBulls –
