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Go Bears!


 Dave Luedtke
Dave Luedtke
Hometown:
Oshkosh, Wisc.
Position:
Head Coach
Experience:
15th season
Alma Mater:
Wisconsin-Oshkosh

Steady progress on top of consistent excellence might be head coach Dave Luedtke's motto.

With over a decade at Baylor under his belt, Luedtke has built the Baylor women's tennis program into a national top-25 team. Under Luedtke's leadership, the team has improved its national ranking each of the past four years, from No. 48 at the end of 1998 to 40th at the conclusion of 1999 to 19th following the 2000 season to 18th last season.

Compare those marks to when Luedtke took over the program 13 years ago. The year prior to Luedtke's arrival, the Bears had just finished the season 2-26. Even more disappointing, they had a 56-match losing streak.

Now the team wears a new hat, having finished second, fourth, fifth, second in their four seasons as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The 2001 season brought yet another new honor for the Bears, as the team advanced to the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16.

Over the years Luedtke has been honored numerous times for his success. The 2000 season brought his third Coach of the Year honor for the Southwest Region (which includes all schools in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana); he also won the award in 1996, and 1997. Luedtke was also the Coach of the Year for the Big 12 Conference in 1997.

Aside from coaching, Luedtke serves on the NCAA Southwest Regional Committee. He has also spent time on the Southwest Regional Ranking Committee (including four years as chairman) and the ITA National Tournament Committee. Since 1993, Luedke has served as the Southwest Circuit Director of the ITA Collegiate Summer Circuit.

Locally, Luedtke has led the Baylor Tennis Camps since 1989. He also started the Baylor Fall Tennis Classic in 1994 as the Baylor Four-Way, and the 2000 tournament saw the largest field in its history.

Not only does Luedtke push his team to strive for excellence on the court, but off the court as well. His players, both past and present, have shown strong characteristics in academics. Eight of Luedtke's players have earned a total of 16 ITA Academic All-America awards. His team has earned five straight ITA All-America designations (1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000). His players have also received four Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship and Leadership Southwest Region awards.

Before becoming the assistant coach for Wisconsin-Oshkosh, he played for the Titans and won the Wisconsin State University doubles championship in 1982 and 1983. During his senior year he captured the singles title.

Luedtke has earned his U.S.P.T.A. Pro One status for both his teaching and playing abilities. Before coaching, he served as head tennis professional at Champaign Country Club in Champaign, Ill. for three summers.

Luedtke and his wife, Sarah, have two daughters: Catherine Elizabeth, 10, and Jennifer Ann, 7.

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