ELON – Dennis Smith has been named the next head coach of the Elon men's tennis program, Director of Athletics Jenn Strawley announced Monday.
Smith comes to Elon following four seasons on the coaching staff at NC State, where he helped the Wolfpack establish itself among the nation's top programs. He joined NC State as a volunteer assistant in 2022-23 before moving into a full-time assistant coaching role in 2023-24. During his tenure, the Wolfpack made four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a trip to the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2025.
"We are excited to welcome Dennis and his wife, Emma, to Elon and believe he is a tremendous fit for our university and athletics department," Strawley said. "He brings great energy, a tireless work ethic and a genuine commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the court. Dennis has played a significant role in the success of a nationally competitive program at NC State and has demonstrated an ability to develop players at the highest levels of college tennis. We are excited for the leadership he will bring to our men's tennis program and the impact he will have on our student-athletes."
Smith helped the Wolfpack produce one of the best seasons in program history in 2024-25. NC State won 22 matches, set a program record with 12 conference victories and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. The Wolfpack also earned a berth in the ITA National Team Indoor Championships and produced two All-Americans during a season that further established the program among the nation's elite.
Smith made a direct impact on NC State's doubles success during the 2023-24 season, serving as the lead coach for Joe Wayand and Rafa Izquierdo Luque. He guided the pairing to the ITA Regional Championship in the fall before Wayand and Izquierdo Luque earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Doubles Championship. The duo advanced to the NCAA quarterfinals to secure All-America honors.
"I'm incredibly grateful to Jenn Strawley and the entire search committee for the opportunity to lead Elon Men's Tennis," Smith said. "Elon has all the ingredients necessary to compete at the top of the CAA every year, and I'm committed to building a family-first culture rooted in competitiveness, consistency, and compassion that nurtures student-athlete growth as both tennis players and people. I can't wait to get to work. Phoenix Rising!"
A Raleigh native, Smith graduated from NC State in 2020 with a degree in business administration.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT SMITH
Kyle Spencer, NC State Men's Tennis Head Coach
"Elon has made an amazing hire in Dennis Smith. He will put his whole heart and soul into Elon men's tennis. Dennis is a rising star and I'm so excited to see the continued rise of Elon tennis under his leadership."
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