Jul 12, 2014 02:59 AM EDT By Staff Reporter, UniversityHerald Reporter

The Penn State athletic department named Chris Cagle as the new head coach of the women's tennis team. Cagle served as interim head coach beginning December for the women's team after being hired as an assistant coach with the Penn State men's tennis program.

"We have hired a coach that will bring women's tennis to new heights. His motivation and ability to develop our student-athletes on and off the court will move us forward to achieving the championships that are the competitive goal of our tennis program," said Dr. David Joyner, Penn State's Director of Athletics, in a statement.

Under Cagle's leadership, Nittany Lions recorded huge wins over both Wisconsin and Nebraska in the 2013-14 season.

Cagle is grateful for the opportunity to lead the Women's Tennis program.

"Penn State is the perfect combination of academic and athletic opportunities. We will strive to make our student athletes better each day, both on the court and in the classroom," Cagle said.

Prior to Penn State, Cagle served as a volunteer assistant at Wake Forest for one season. During his tenure, Demon Deacons reached the NCAA tournament; posted a 14-12 record and won 10 matches against nationally ranked opponents including a 4-0 win over No. 30 Wisconsin and a 4-0 victory against No. 46 Virginia Commonwealth.

Cagle, a native of Greensboro, N.C., played for the University of North Carolina-Wilmington men's tennis program from 1989-1993. He was twice crowned captain - a first in North Carolina-Wilmington men's tennis program history. In 2009, he was the top ranked player in the United States.

In 2010, Cagle was honoured with the Mary Milam Lifetime Achievement Award from North Carolina Tennis for his contributions to junior tennis.

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