Tom Boysen Takes Helm of Eastern Kentucky Tennis Programs After UND's Closure

GRAND FORKS — Tom Boysen, formerly the head coach of the University of North Dakota's tennis teams, has quickly secured a new position at Eastern Kentucky University. This announcement comes shortly after UND decided to eliminate its men's and women's tennis programs last month.

Eastern Kentucky's athletic director, Kyle Moats, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "I'm excited to have coach Boysen as a member of our coaching staff. He is a well-respected coach who will fit well in the Richmond and EKU community. He has a proven track record of success, and his experience will greatly benefit our team. Most importantly, he is a high-character person who will represent EKU with class."

During his tenure at UND, Boysen, along with assistant coach Kyle Anderson, transformed the Fighting Hawks into a formidable force in the Summit League. Under their leadership, both the men's and women's teams advanced to the Summit League finals this past spring, with the men achieving this feat in consecutive years and the women doing so twice during Boysen's five years in Grand Forks.

The decision to cut the tennis programs at UND was influenced by financial constraints, a trend seen at several other Division-I institutions this spring, including Arkansas, St. Louis, and Illinois State. Notably, Arkansas has since reinstated its tennis programs.

Eastern Kentucky competes in the Atlantic Sun Conference, which includes teams such as North Alabama, Stetson, and Florida Gulf Coast, among others.