MORAGA, Calif. - On Wednesday, July 16th the Saint Mary's Athletics Department announced Dan Cardiff as the new head coach for the Gaels men's tennis program ahead of the 2025-26 season. Cardiff becomes just the fourth head coach in program history after Greg Kennett announced his retirement earlier this summer after eight seasons leading the program. 

Cardiff joins the Gael family after serving as the head assistant coach of the women's tennis program at the University of Rhode Island. Along with head coach Jonas Brobeck, Cardiff helped the Rams to a double-digit win season in 2024, doubling their win total from their 2023 campaign. They followed that up with 15 match victories during the 2024-25 season for second most in a single-season in program history. Cardiff and the coaching staff combined for six all-conference selections over their two years including the A-10 Most Outstanding Rookie Award in Katharina Spieth, becoming the first player in program history to win a major year-end award. 

Prior to Rhode Island Dan Cardiff worked as a Senior Tennis Professional for the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island. There, he played a pivotal role in the launching of the "Be Legendary" program, a global youth initiative to educate and promote the great values that tennis offers young players. Cardiff also helped develop the curriculum for various programs at the tennis center including Team Fame and the NJTL program.

Like several SMC coaches, Cardiff has a tie to the Lamorinda area as he earned his Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Saint Mary's back in 2019. He was also the Head of Competitive Development at the Orinda Country Club for over three years.   

"I am very honored and fortunate to be joining the Gael family and to be coaching a great group of guys", said Cardiff. "Saint Mary's is beautiful and I couldn't think of a better place to play college tennis, get a great education and enjoy life experiences. This team has tremendous potential and I look forward to getting to work as we look to climb the ranks of the West Coast Conference."

"On court, we will be disciplined, love to compete and take ownership of our development. Off of the court, our guys will continue to do well in the classroom and make an impact in the Lamorinda community. Come spring, we'll be ready to make some noise in our region and in WCC play. Thank you to everyone who supported me along the way, also to Mike Matoso and the athletic department for giving me this opportunity. Go Gaels!" (Cardiff). 

Athletically, Cardiff was a dual sport athlete at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo from 2014-18. He was a member of their men's tennis team as well as a standout on the men's track & field team during his five year career with the Mustangs. Additional athletic accomplishments following his collegiate career included USTA National Open Grass Court Mixed Doubles Championships in 2024, Doubles Championships in 2021 as well as the Singles Championships in 2022. 

The 2025-26 campaign for the Saint Mary's tennis team is slated to kickoff later this fall with the conference season set for March of 2026. Be sure to follow your Gaels on Facebook, Instagram, and X to get all the latest Saint Mary's athletics updates and information.

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