Tom Battaglia took over as Head Coach of Rider Men’s and Women’s Tennis in Summer 2021. A devoted teaching professional with nearly three decades of experience and a proven track record of managing and developing teams, Battaglia came to Rider following a four-year stint at Fairleigh Dickinson-Florham.
In his tenure with the Knights, FDU earned more than 80 wins in four seasons. Battaglia earned USPTA College Coach of the Year in 2021 and MAC Conference Coach of the Year in 2019. He served as MAC Freedom Conference Women’s Tennis Committee Chair.
Battaglia has also served as owner/director of Crestmont Indoor Tennis since 2014, as well as Director of Tennis at The Maplewood Club since 2008. He’s coached several junior players to Division I and Division II scholarships, while guiding Crestmont, while the grassroots tennis program at The Maplewood Club has grown clinics, a summer camp and group and private lessons for players of all ages and skill levels.
Battaglia also served as Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Rutgers-Newark for three years from August 2013 to July 2016, leading a drastic turnaround from an 0-12 mark to the playoffs. In addition, he’s previously served as Director of Tennis at the Fairfield Racquet Club.
Battaglia has additionally served many coaching roles with the USTA, while also serving as a personal travel coach. As an undergrad, he played No. 1 singles for Rutgers-Newark.
