Zags Name Derek Siddiqui Men's Tennis Assistant Coach
7/3/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
SPOKANE, Wash. - Derek Siddiqui (suh-dick-EE), a two-time All-Mountain West Conference men's tennis singles selection for San Diego State University, has been named assistant coach at Gonzaga University, head men's coach Peter MacDonald announced Thursday.
The native of Long Beach, Calif., was ranked as high as 71st in the nation his senior season of 2013. He posted a 14-10 record in singles play, including an 11-8 mark at No. 1, and went 3-5 against nationally-ranked opponents that season. A 2012 All-MW selection in doubles as a junior in addition to his singles accolade, he went 14-6 in dual match doubles as a senior.
"I'm very excited Derek is joining the staff. His work ethic and experience will be an asset to our program," MacDonald said. "Derek is very passionate about coaching. I'm looking forward to working with someone who will be able to bring this added energy to the team."
Prior to his two years at SDSU he attended Cerritos College and was named the South Coast Conference MVP and Southern Section Player of the Year. He was ranked No. 1 in Southern California and No. 4 in the nation for junior colleges.
Following graduation he remained at SDSU for one season as a volunteer coach and also did individual lessons for collegiate players.
"I am very honored to be a part of this organization and to join the Gonzaga family. I am very excited to work with Coach MacDonald on building a solid foundation," Siddiqui said. "The future of the program looks promising and it is my goal to push these student-athletes and hold them to a high standard."
