Hunter Nicholas was promoted to Associate Head Coach of the Arkansas men’s tennis team on May 31, 2024. Nicholas originally joined the Razorbacks’ coaching staff as the assistant coach, reuniting with Head Coach Jay Udwadia.
Nicholas coached with Udwadia at Oklahoma State during the 2018-19 season as the Cowboys volunteer assistant coach. A Park City, Utah native, Nicholas helped lead Oklahoma State to a 16-12 dual-match record during the 2018-19 season, guiding the Cowboys to victories over ranked teams California, NC State, Memphis, Texas Tech and TCU, as well as Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA Championships.
Following his stint in Stillwater, Nicholas served as an assistant coach at Utah State. In 2021, the Aggies posted a 12-8 overall record, going 3-4 in Mountain West action. Three Aggies earned All-Mountain West honors with Sergiu Bucur and Felipe Acosta both being named to the league’s singles team, while the duo of Acosta and Javier Ruiz picked up doubles accolades. During the 2019-20 season, the Aggies went 3-11 before the season canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bucur earned All-MWC honors in singles after going 8-10 overall, including a 7-7 record in dual match play.
Prior to his coaching career, Nicholas played professional tennis going 43-20 in doubles play as part of the ATP/WTA Tour and ITF Pro Circuit main draw. Nicholas was ranked as high as No. 345 in doubles and earned a career-high ranking of 953 in singles.
As a student-athlete, Nicholas was a standout player at San Diego State from 2010-14. He was a four-year All-MWC selection in doubles play, and helped the Aztecs win the MWC regular season title in 2013. He was also an all-league selection in singles play as a senior and led his fellow Student Athletes as President of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Outside of tennis, Hunter is a passionate outdoorsman. His hobbies range from mountain biking in the hills of Northwest Arkansas, fly fishing, rock climbing, golfing with his wife, and backcountry skiing. Hunter and his wife, Amy, regularly enjoy taking their daughter, Penny, and dog, alongside their adventures.
