WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Otterbein men's and women's tennis programs have welcomed back a familiar face, naming Marc Thomas as head coach ahead of the 2025-26 season. The announcement was made Tuesday afternoon by Dr. Greg Lott, Director of Athletics.

Thomas, a 2002 Otterbein graduate, brings a wealth of coaching experience and deep-rooted Cardinal ties into his new role. A former standout at first singles for the program, Thomas also served as an assistant coach during the 2005–06 season before launching a highly successful high school coaching career. Most recently, he returned to the Otterbein tennis staff as a volunteer from 2019–2021, assisting with recruiting and development.

"I'm thrilled to welcome Marc Thomas back home. He is highly respected in the local tennis community, has achieved consistent success as the head boys and girls coach at New Albany, and truly loves Otterbein." Lott said. "But what impressed me the most throughout our interview process was Marc's principal interest in developing his players as people first and foremost."

Thomas takes the reins from Tyler Stephen, who guided the programs from 2015-16 through 2024-25 season and helped build a strong foundation of competitive student-athletes.

"My vision for the program will be to continue to compete for OAC titles and create opportunities for our players at both the individual and team NCAA Tournaments," Thomas said. "That said, while winning and team success will be a huge part of what we do, our number one priority will always be player development as people and leaders first."

Thomas has long been a fixture in the central Ohio tennis scene and is eager to now step into this leadership position on a full-time basis.

"I'm excited to start building relationships with the current players on the men's and women's rosters while continuing to recruit the future of Otterbein Tennis to Westerville," he added. "Our goal will be to develop elite competitors who are even better people."

Thomas, who currently resides in New Albany where he has led a successful high school program, credits Otterbein for shaping his life nearly 25 years ago and now hopes to return the favor.

"Otterbein is a special place, and the responsibility of leading this program is truly an honor and not something I take lightly," Thomas said. "I want the time players spend here to change their lives, the same way it did for me."

The Cardinals are scheduled to return to action this fall for non-traditional competition before preparing for their championship seasons in the spring. Stay tuned to otterbeincardinals.com and Otterbein Athletics social media for continued coverage.