Jan. 8, 2007

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. - Lewis University Director of Athletics Dan Schumacher has announced the appointment of Brett Bridel as head coach of the Flyers' women's and men's tennis teams.

Bridel most recently was in his second stint as a volunteer assistant coach for the DePaul University women's tennis team. He spent the 2004-05 season as head women's tennis coach at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, leading a Salukis team that earned Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) All-Academic recognition.

Prior to his season at SIUC, Bridel enjoyed considerable success during two years as head men's and women's tennis coach at College of DuPage. The men's team captured the NJCAA Division III national title and was undefeated both seasons, and the women's team garnered a national runner-up finish in 2004 in its second successive NJCAA tournament appearance. Bridel was named NJCAA men's Region IV and national Coach of the Year both seasons.

DuPage players collected 18 NJCAA All-America first-team awards (14 men, four women) and three men's All-America second-team honors under Bridel's guidance. Additionally, both squads achieved ITA All-Academic status and 12 players earned a place on COD's Academic Excellence List.

Bridel's coaching and teaching experience also includes a year as a graduate assistant women's coach at the University of Alabama; three years as a volunteer assistant women's coach at Florida State University; 15 years as proprietor of the Aces Summer Tennis Camp in Glen Ellyn; and 2½ years as staff professional at Naperville Racquet Club.

Bridel was an NCAA Division II national qualifier and posted a 109-45 combined singles/doubles record in two seasons at Southern Illinois Edwardsville. He began his collegiate career at College of DuPage where he was a two-time national qualifier, two-time conference and regional singles and doubles champion, conference Most Valuable Player and COD's 1988 Athlete of the Year.

Bridel is a 1999 graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor's degree in education with specialization in human performance. He and wife Lori are the parents of 3-year-old Britney and 1-year-old Breton.

"I am very excited and fired up about the opportunity to work at Lewis University, and I feel it is a tremendous privilege to be part of the Lewis family," Bridel said. "This is a perfect situation for my entire family.

"Lewis University is guided by a wonderful mission and has an outstanding academic reputation, a beautiful campus, great location and student athletes who are passionate and committed to success in the classroom and in their sport.

"Dan Schumacher has a great vision for the athletics department and all its programs. He is an engaging and energetic leader and has an awesome, professional staff. I thank Dan, the search committee and all the people who have helped and mentored me over the years."

"In addition to an impressive combination of tennis knowledge and coaching talent, Brett brings to Lewis a history of leading student athletes to success in the classroom," Schumacher said. "We're confident that our tennis programs are headed in a positive direction with his leadership."