Coach Returns to Olivet with Passion and Purpose

Head tennis coach Isabel Snyder standing outside of the tennis courts.

OLIVET, Mich. - The University of Olivet Men’s and Women’s Tennis are welcoming a familiar face back to campus. The new head coach Isabel Snyder, a former Comet herself, is excited to return to the place where her collegiate tennis journey began.

She started coaching at Marshall High School in the spring of 2020. She was the assistant coach for both the girls and boys tennis teams and spent six years there. 

Coach Snyder graduated from Olivet College in 2017. During her time at Olivet, she played four years of tennis and was captain her senior year. 

“I played here, and this program means a lot to me. I knew the previous coach, I love what this program stands for, and I want to be part of it again,” Snyder said.

As she steps into her new role, her focus is on building upon a strong foundation.

 “We already have a really talented group,” Snyder said. “Recruiting will be key to keeping the program growing, and with the new courts, we have a chance to make things even better.”

With the fall season concluded the men's tennis team ended 0-3 and the women’s team ended 0-2. 

“I think the team has responded well to the coach’s leadership. We are very happy as a team on what we have been doing in practice, like more technique drills and staying physically fit to be able to play long 3 set matches,” said junior captain, Lucas Anderson. 

As a new head coach her short-term goals are to win and learn from tough matches. Long-term, she hopes to grow the program by adding talent and continuing to improve the space. 

“I want to make the courts and the whole environment better, not just for now, but for the future,” Snyder said. 

“There are a lot of strategies and skills that she has already introduced to the team and I am excited to apply those to my tennis in the spring,” said sophomore captain, Amelia Girard.