Oct. 30, 2006

Southwestern University Athletics Director Dr. Glada Munt has announced the appointment of Lester Sombito, a Houston native, as the school's new Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach.

Sombito, who was selected after a national search, takes over for Southwestern alum Chad Cage, who directed the program for five years.

"Southwestern University is pleased to welcome Lester Sombito as its new head tennis coach," Munt said. "His background, experience and personal attributes will assist him in leading our tennis program that has already been moving toward excellence."

Sombito comes to Southwestern from Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa, where he has served as head coach of the Mustangs' men's and women's tennis teams. Morningside College is affiliated with the NAIA and a member of the Great Plains Athletic Conference.

Prior to working at Morningside, Sombito was a recruiter and admissions counselor at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. Sombito's career in athletics began at Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he was the assistant men's and women's tennis coach from 2000-03. He was also a tennis instructor for the Belton Independent School District during that span and was ranked No. 7 in the USTA Men's 25 division.

From 2000 until 2002, Sombito was the director of the Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusader Tennis Camp. He also served as an instructor at the 2003 University of Texas Longhorn tennis camp in 2003.

Sombito earned his master's degree in kinesiology and sports management from the University of Texas in 2002. He is a 1996 graduate of the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. He was a varsity letter winner for the Crusaders' men's tennis team, serving as captain for two years. Sombito earned first-team All-Heart of Texas Conference honors and was the team's Most Valuable Player as a senior.