TACOMA, Wash. - Looking towards elevating the men's tennis program to the next level, the Puget Sound Loggers have announced the hiring of Joe Holland as assistant tennis coach.  He replaces Chet Dawson in leading the men's tennis team.

Holland brings strong ties to the Tacoma tennis community with him to Puget Sound.  He is currently the assistant tennis professional at Canterwood Golf and Country Club in Port Orchard, Wash., as well as associate tennis professional at Pacific West Tennis in Tacoma. 

"I am looking forward to working with Joe.  He brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience and will provide new energy for our tennis program," said director of tennis Steve Bowen.

His first experience in collegiate tennis was as assistant coach at Western Washington University during the 1995 season.  In addition to his extensive tennis resume, Holland is also co-owner and club director of University Place Volleyball Club. 

"I'm excited about the opportunity to work with this talented team," said Holland.  "I believe that with hard work we can put the program back where it belongs, at the top of the conference standings."

Holland is a 1996 graduate of Western Washington University, earning a degree in Business Administration.  He also earned a Masters In Education from City University in 2003.

The Logger men's tennis team took sixth place in 2009, posting a record of 7-14 in the competitive Northwest Conference.