TACOMA, Wash. - The Pacific Lutheran University athletic department and Interim Athletic Director Jen Thomas announced the hiring of Paul Koessler as the new head coach of the Lutes men's tennis program.
 
"I could not be more excited to welcome Paul Koessler back to the PLU Athletics family in the capacity of our men's tennis coach," said Thomas. "As an alum and an All-American tennis player, Coach Koessler is well aware of the rich history and tradition associated with the PLU men's tennis program and has a vision to build upon that tradition with our current team. He is a true teacher of the game of tennis and understands the unique strategies involved in gaining advantages within matches and I have no doubt that our tennis players will improve their play under his coaching."
 
Koessler returns to his alma mater with plenty of experience in the tennis world. He most recently served as the varsity tennis coach at Timberline High School in Boise, Idaho, guiding the Wolves' girls team to IHSAA 5A state titles in 2016, 2018, and 2019 while coaching the boys to a third place showing at the 2019 IHSAA Championships.

His stint at Timberline included an undefeated dual match season, winning the 16-team Tri-Cities Invitational, the 36-team Capital Invitational, and the eight-team Timberline Invitational. Koessler additionally also ran Koessler Performance Tennis in Boise in addition to coaching at Timberline.

"I'm extremely honored and excited to be named men's tennis coach at PLU," said Koessler. "I have great memories playing for legendary coach Mike Benson and with championship teammates. I look forward to working with the student-athletes and preparing to compete. It's a great day to be a Lute!"
 
Koessler is a USPTA Certified Elite Professional and has prior experience in the club tennis world, working at Seattle Tennis Club, Mercer Island Country Club, Tacoma Lawn Tennis Club, and Pacific West Tennis.
 
A 1986 PLU graduate with a degree in business, Koessler was a three-time All-Northwest Conference and All-District selection as a player, including earning NAIA All-American accolades in 1985. Koessler was the NWC Doubles Champion in both 1984 and 1985 and additionally played one season of basketball with the Lutes. 
 
Koessler and the Lutes open the 2021 season on March 6, hosting Northwest Conference rival Pacific University.