CHATTANOOGA (August 7, 2026) – The Chattanooga Mocs men's tennis program and head coach Chuck Merzbacher will feature a pair of former Mocs on its coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season which kicks off in the coming weeks.
 
After a five-year playing career and serving as an assistant coach for the past three seasons, Kerim Hyatt ('23) returns for his fourth campaign on Merzbacher's staff and ninth overall within the program. UTC will also welcome back four-year starter Ryan Mudre ('25) as an assistant coach on this year's staff.
 
"We are fortunate to announce that two of our former UTC tennis student athletes will be assisting with the program this year. In addition to being past SoCon Champions, with amazing collegiate tennis careers, these young men are terrific role models for our guys," said coach Merzbacher.
 
"I appreciate them committing the time to work with the program. They understand the way we do things here at UTC."
 
Hyatt has been on staff as an assistant coach since graduating from his playing career following the 2022-23 season. Hyatt, who ranks third in UTC program history with 84 career singles victories, was named the 2019 SoCon Freshman of the Year, earned numerous All-SoCon team selections, and was an annual honoree on multiple academic award lists.   
 
A four-year starter in both doubles and singles action, Mudre wrapped up his stellar collegiate playing career following the 2024-25 season. Mudre finished his UTC career with 67 victories in singles play, tied for eighth most in program history, and was a main fixture, along with Hyatt, on the 2023 SoCon regular season championship team.
 
Chattanooga is coming off another successful campaign which resulted in a semifinal finish at the 2026 UTR Sports National Invitational Tournament (NIT). The Mocs return five starters from last year's squad including All-SoCon performer Jakub Jupa while also welcoming a pair of newcomers to the program.
 
The 2026-27 season schedule will be released in the coming weeks at GoMocs.com.

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