Princeton University Athletics
Princeton names Glenn Michibata men's tennis coach
March 13, 2000 | Men's Tennis
March 13, 2000
PRINCETON, N.J. - Glenn Michibata, who spent 10 years as a professional tennis player and is the assistant men's tennis coach at the University of Southern California, has been named Princeton University men's tennis coach, Director of Athletics Gary Walters announced today.
Michibata, who will replace David Benjamin upon his retirement following the spring 2000 season, was ranked No. 1 in the world in doubles with partner Grant Connell in 1991.
For the past three years Michibata has been an assistant coach at USC, the last two as the men's assistant following one season with the women's program. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, he has been involved with recruiting, organizing day-to-day programming, serving as a tennis liaison with the compliance office and assisting with fund-raising and alumni relations.
A 14-time member of Canada's Davis Cup teams, Michibata was a professional player from 1983-93. He advanced to the Wimbledon and French Open doubles semifinals in 1991 and the doubles finals of the Australian Open in 1990. In addition to his No. 1 doubles ranking, he rose to No. 48 in the world in singles play. "Glenn emerged from an outstanding pool of candidates," said Walters. "Rarely have I encountered an individual with Glenn's unique combination of personal achievement and disarming humility. The legacy of success created by John Conroy and David Benjamin serves as a strong foundation for Glenn to build upon."
Conroy coached Princeton from 1946-71, posting a 259-37 record, while Benjamin's career at Princeton began in 1975 and includes a 346-154 mark heading into this season.
"Obviously Princeton has a great academic reputation," said Michibata, "but it also has a strong tennis tradition. The combination of the two was extremely attractive to me. The institution is world renown, and to have an opportunity to coach at Princeton is exciting."
"Glenn is a terrific person and a terrific coach," said USC men's tennis coach, Richard Leach. "I'm sure he will do a tremendous job at Princeton."
Following his playing career, Michibata became director of tennis at the Whistler Racquet and Golf Resort in British Columbia for a year and a half. He organized club programs for adults and juniors and directed special events, tournaments and camps. He also oversaw the inventory, budgeting and marketing of the pro shop.
In August 1995 he began a two-year professional coaching career as the personal coach for Daniel Nestor of Canada and Mark Knowles of the Bahamas. Michibata coached Nestor and Knowles to the World Championship of Doubles where they finished the year ranked No. 4 in the world. In addition to coaching responsibilities, he assisted in scheduling practice sessions and tournaments, organizing fitness programs, scouting opponents and formulating game plans.
Michibata joined the USC women's tennis program in August 1997 and joined the men's staff a year later.
A three-time All-America and four-year letterwinner at Pepperdine University from 1979-83, Michibata was a collegiate doubles partner with USC women's tennis coach Richard Gallien.
A Toronto native, the 37-year-old Michibata will assume his Princeton duties July 1. He and his wife, Angie, have a five-year-old daughter, Cori, and a five-month-old son, Matthew.
TRANSACTION LINE: Princeton names Glenn Michibata men's tennis coach effective July 1.