Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Audra Anderson named Director of Tennis for Saluki Athletics
08/05/2016 | 12:50:00 | Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis
Men’s tennis coach Dann Nelson accepts job at Texas-Rio Grande Valley
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University women's tennis coach Audra Anderson has assumed the role of Director of Tennis, and in her new capacity, will oversee both the men's and women's programs.
Anderson replaces Dann Nelson, who was named men's tennis head coach at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Nelson recently completed his 11th season at SIU and departs as the second-winningest coach in program history with 122 victories.
"We are incredibly grateful for Dann's 11 years of service to the institution and wish him all the best at Rio Grande Valley," said Saluki Director of Athletics Tommy Bell. "We are fortunate to have a highly accomplished head coach in Audra who can oversee both programs."
Nelson's legacy at SIU includes winning MVC Coach of the Year honors in 2009 and 2014, and guiding the program to an NCAA Tournament appearance in '09.
"I want to thank Tommy and associate AD Kathy Jones for all they have done for me and the tennis community in Southern Illinois," Nelson said. "I have been extremely blessed to be able to work with so many exceptional young men who have represented themselves, the program and the university so well."
Anderson has coached nine seasons at Southern and holds the best winning percentage (140-83, .627) in school history. Her teams have posted winning records in five-straight seasons and seven out of the last nine. Under Anderson's tutelage, the Salukis have recorded an impressive 44-22 (.667) record in Missouri Valley Conference matches, placing third or better in six seasons. Individually, eight players have earned All-Conference honors in singles play with Anderson at the helm, and four doubles teams have claimed All-Conference laurels.
SIU's women's team finished 16-12 overall last season and 6-1 in the MVC, while the men's program was 14-5 and shared a conference title with Wichita State with a 2-1 league mark.
"I want to thank Tommy for giving me the opportunity to step into this new leadership role," Anderson said. "This is an exciting time as both teams have just come off great seasons and have nearly everyone returning. I can't ask for a better scenario."
Anderson said former Saluki men's tennis player Jonny Rigby will serve as graduate assistant coach for the tennis program.
Players Mentioned
