LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University has announced the hiring of Eric Hovan as the new head men's and women's tennis coach. Hovan will take over the position after former head coach Lisa Swope moved into an administrative role as Senior Associate Athletic Director for Administration/Senior Woman Administrator.
 
A graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Hovan joins the Red Flash after spending the past 24 years coaching at Altoona Area High School. During his time with the Mountain Lions, he coached the men's and women's team to over 600 combined victories and 16 District Championships.
 
"Eric is the right coach to lead our programs moving forward," said Director of Athletics James Downer. "His extensive head coaching experience is an extremely valuable asset and there is no question his leadership will transition to success on the court."
 
At Altoona High School, he coached 45 individual district champions, including guiding eventual Rutgers commit Caitlin Baker to a 2005 state bronze medal and 2006 AAA Girls Singles Championship.
 
"Being able to move on to the Division I level feels great bring at the highest level of collegiate tennis," said Hovan. "It's definitely a huge change from high school to college but I've loved it. I've been so impressed with the men and women here not only from a skill perspective, but how hard they work."
 
Three players, women's Dominique Yeo and men's Sebastian Pinos and Daniel Vinces return after earning 2021 All-NEC Second Team honors. Hovan also inherits a men's roster that consists of 8-of-11 members from outside the United States and a women's roster that consists of 7-of-8.
 
"The one thing that stands out with these teams is their sense of family," said Hovan. "Hopefully being from the area, I can continue to make this feel more like home for them. We want to see them to all succeed both on and off the court."
 
Hovan brings local experience to Saint Francis, as well as the ability to grow interest in tennis. He grew Altoona High School's tennis team roster from 12 girls and five boys in his first season to 50 girls and 40 boys during his time with the Mountain Lions.
 
"I'm excited to see this program evolve under his guidance," said Downer.
 
The women conclude their fall season on Sept. 30-Oct. 3 at the ITA Regional Tournament, while the men conclude at the Bloomsburg Invite on Oct. 8-10 and ITA Regional Tournament on Oct. 14-17.