Craig Schwartz Named Howard Talmud '77 Head Men's Tennis Coach
7/18/2022 8:50:00 AM | Men's Tennis
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh Athletics has announced that Craig Schwartz has been named the Howard Talmud '77 Head Men's Tennis Coach. Schwartz brings 20 years of collegiate coaching experience including five previous head coaching positions, three of which came at the Division I level.
Schwartz spent the 2022 season as the associate head coach for both the men's and women's teams at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. He owns a 165-121 record as a collegiate head coach that includes stints leading Appalachian State (2018-20), St. John's (2017-18), Bucknell (2013-16), Queens College (2007-12) and Dowling College (2003-07).
"First, I would like to thank Joe Sterrett, Sue Troyan and Chris Wakely for trusting in me as the next leader of the men's tennis program at Lehigh University," Schwartz said. "The moment I stepped onto campus, I knew it was a special place and I couldn't be any more excited for this opportunity of a lifetime. My ultimate goal is to build upon the foundation that has been laid by all the great student-athletes, coaches and administration that came before me. The program will be built around developing leaders on the court, in the classroom and in the community, while competing for championships. I am excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work with this special group of talented student-athletes. Go Mountain Hawks!"
Throughout his head coaching career, Schwartz has mentored 40 all-conference performers.
Schwartz spent the 2017-18 season as the head men's coach at St. John's, where he guided the Red Storm to a 14-6 record, including a 10-1 home record. He mentored three All-Big East players including Co-Player of the Year Alan Nunez Aguilera. Schwartz then returned to Appalachian State, where he previously served as a volunteer assistant with both Mountaineer tennis programs in 2016-17. He led the Mountaineers for two seasons prior to the program's elimination in the spring of 2020.
Prior to his first stint at Appalachian State, Schwartz spent four seasons in the Patriot League at Bucknell, where he began as the interim head coach and was later promoted to head coach. During his time in Lewisburg, Schwartz spearheaded a turnaround that saw the Bison improve from three wins to 14 victories and a Patriot League semifinal appearance. Schwartz mentored Nick Bybel, the most accomplished player in Bucknell's men's tennis history, to a pair of Patriot League Player of the Year awards.
Before joining the Division I ranks, Schwartz enjoyed an outstanding five-year run as head men's coach and assistant tennis director at Queens College in New York. Schwartz guided the Knights to an 86-28 record and five NCAA Tournament berths in each of the five seasons, including four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.
Schwartz was named ITA East Region Coach of the Year in 2009 and ECC Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012. He coached two ITA All-Americans, three ECC Players of the Year and 23 All-ECC selections during his five years with the program.
The West Islip, N.Y. native began his coaching career at his alma mater, Dowling College, where he posted a 26-18 record over three seasons. Schwartz led the Golden Lions to NCAA Tournament berths in all three seasons, and was named NYCAC Coach of the Year following the 2003-04 campaign.
"We are excited for Craig to join the Lehigh family as he aligns very well with our Athletics Department's Mission to advance learning, foster personal growth and provide leadership preparation through comprehensive athletics programming," said Lehigh Associate Director of Athletics Chris Wakely, who led the search process. "Craig brings more than 20 years of coaching experiences to his role, multiple years as a collegiate head coach, four of which were within the Patriot League as Bucknell's Head Men's Tennis Coach. His credibility as a coach, mentor and educator will serve him well as he leads the Lehigh Men's Tennis program in the highly competitive tennis environment within the Patriot League."
Schwartz played at Dowling from 1996-2000, competing at the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles positions. He was a three-time team MVP and earned NYCAC All-Conference honors. Schwartz rose to No. 17 in the Division II singles rankings as a senior and was named the ITA East Region Player of the Year.
A 2001 graduate of Dowling with a degree in business administration, Schwartz remained active on the professional circuit following his graduation, playing in numerous tennis tournaments around the world. He won back-to-back USTA National Open Indoor doubles titles in 2007 and 2008.
Schwartz is married to Meghan Dawson and the couple has three children: Caden, Zane and Ruth.
Schwartz spent the 2022 season as the associate head coach for both the men's and women's teams at Jacksonville State University in Alabama. He owns a 165-121 record as a collegiate head coach that includes stints leading Appalachian State (2018-20), St. John's (2017-18), Bucknell (2013-16), Queens College (2007-12) and Dowling College (2003-07).
"First, I would like to thank Joe Sterrett, Sue Troyan and Chris Wakely for trusting in me as the next leader of the men's tennis program at Lehigh University," Schwartz said. "The moment I stepped onto campus, I knew it was a special place and I couldn't be any more excited for this opportunity of a lifetime. My ultimate goal is to build upon the foundation that has been laid by all the great student-athletes, coaches and administration that came before me. The program will be built around developing leaders on the court, in the classroom and in the community, while competing for championships. I am excited to roll up my sleeves and get to work with this special group of talented student-athletes. Go Mountain Hawks!"
Throughout his head coaching career, Schwartz has mentored 40 all-conference performers.
Schwartz spent the 2017-18 season as the head men's coach at St. John's, where he guided the Red Storm to a 14-6 record, including a 10-1 home record. He mentored three All-Big East players including Co-Player of the Year Alan Nunez Aguilera. Schwartz then returned to Appalachian State, where he previously served as a volunteer assistant with both Mountaineer tennis programs in 2016-17. He led the Mountaineers for two seasons prior to the program's elimination in the spring of 2020.
Prior to his first stint at Appalachian State, Schwartz spent four seasons in the Patriot League at Bucknell, where he began as the interim head coach and was later promoted to head coach. During his time in Lewisburg, Schwartz spearheaded a turnaround that saw the Bison improve from three wins to 14 victories and a Patriot League semifinal appearance. Schwartz mentored Nick Bybel, the most accomplished player in Bucknell's men's tennis history, to a pair of Patriot League Player of the Year awards.
Before joining the Division I ranks, Schwartz enjoyed an outstanding five-year run as head men's coach and assistant tennis director at Queens College in New York. Schwartz guided the Knights to an 86-28 record and five NCAA Tournament berths in each of the five seasons, including four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances.
Schwartz was named ITA East Region Coach of the Year in 2009 and ECC Coach of the Year in 2010 and 2012. He coached two ITA All-Americans, three ECC Players of the Year and 23 All-ECC selections during his five years with the program.
The West Islip, N.Y. native began his coaching career at his alma mater, Dowling College, where he posted a 26-18 record over three seasons. Schwartz led the Golden Lions to NCAA Tournament berths in all three seasons, and was named NYCAC Coach of the Year following the 2003-04 campaign.
"We are excited for Craig to join the Lehigh family as he aligns very well with our Athletics Department's Mission to advance learning, foster personal growth and provide leadership preparation through comprehensive athletics programming," said Lehigh Associate Director of Athletics Chris Wakely, who led the search process. "Craig brings more than 20 years of coaching experiences to his role, multiple years as a collegiate head coach, four of which were within the Patriot League as Bucknell's Head Men's Tennis Coach. His credibility as a coach, mentor and educator will serve him well as he leads the Lehigh Men's Tennis program in the highly competitive tennis environment within the Patriot League."
Schwartz played at Dowling from 1996-2000, competing at the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles positions. He was a three-time team MVP and earned NYCAC All-Conference honors. Schwartz rose to No. 17 in the Division II singles rankings as a senior and was named the ITA East Region Player of the Year.
A 2001 graduate of Dowling with a degree in business administration, Schwartz remained active on the professional circuit following his graduation, playing in numerous tennis tournaments around the world. He won back-to-back USTA National Open Indoor doubles titles in 2007 and 2008.
Schwartz is married to Meghan Dawson and the couple has three children: Caden, Zane and Ruth.
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Tennis
Thursday, April 03
Season Preview Men's Tennis
Thursday, January 30
Lehigh Sports Central: Men's Tennis
Wednesday, March 20
