DURHAM, N.C. – David Nass, who has served as tennis head coach at North Carolina Central University for the past 17 years, will retire effective Dec. 31 so he can "be more available to my family," the NCCU Department of Athletics announced Wednesday (Nov. 26).
 
"I have been given unprecedented support over the years at NCCU, and will be forever grateful, as it has enabled us to produce a strong tennis program," Nass said.
 
Nass was named head coach for both men's and women's tennis programs at NCCU in 1997. He took over an established men's team, but was charged with building a women's tennis program, starting as a club sport.
 
One year into his tenure, Nass was selected as the 1998 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Tennis Coach of the Year, after guiding the men's tennis team to its first conference championship in 24 years. The Eagles finished the 1998 season with 11 consecutive wins to end with a 15-1 conference record and 16-6 overall mark.
 
He continued to lead both men's and women's tennis teams until 2006, when NCCU was transitioning to NCAA Division I competition. At that time, Nass turned his focus squarely on the women's tennis program as its head coach.
 
At the 2010 HBCU National Tournament, the NCCU women finished as the national runner-up.
 
In 2013, Nass was selected as the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women's Tennis Coach of the Year, after leading the Lady Eagles to a program record 14 match victories and a 5-1 mark in conference play.
 
"NCCU Department of Athletics has been honored to work with Coach David Nass for the past 17 years," said Dr. Ingrid Wicker McCree, NCCU Director of Athletics.  "He is a genuine and caring individual, and has contributed significantly to the success of our tennis programs.  David has been dedicated and loyal to the University's commitment since day one, and his energy and passion will certainly be missed.  I wish him well in his future endeavors and thank him sincerely for his contribution to NCCU."
 
During Nass's coaching career, his student-athletes were not only successful on the court, but in the classroom, as well. His teams have earned multiple NCCU awards for having the highest grade point average in the department, along with several national academic citations.
 
"When he took the helm in the mid-90s, the women's program was still in the conceptual phase," said NCCU's director of tennis and men's tennis head coach D. Curtis Lawson. "Fast forward to 2014 and our Lady Eagles have achieved a number of major milestones that firmly define the legacy of Coach David Nass. He has been a tireless champion for both the men's and women's programs and he is a respected colleague whose unique sense of humor I will miss."
 
Although retiring from coaching, Nass will continue to teach in the NCCU Department of Physical Education.
 
"NCCU's tennis history is marvelous," Nass said.  "Now, I am history; but the future for NCCU tennis looks bright.
 
"I am stepping away from coaching as a thankful and happy man."
 
 
 
More About Nass's Career
A native of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Nass began his tennis instructing and coaching career as the director of tennis at the Stevens Point (WI) Country Club from 1978 to 1982. In 1979, he was selected the head men's and women's tennis coach at the University of Wisconsin (Stevens Point), where he served a seven-year tenure, earning the Wisconsin Women's Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Coach of the Year award in 1984.
 
As a tennis player, Nass won a Wisconsin State Open Doubles Championship in 1985, earned a Wisconsin state ranking in 1985 and 1986, and finished as a finalist in 31 tennis tournaments from 1978 to 1988.
 
Nass graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1972, with a bachelor's degree in History and Sociology. He received a certificate in Management of Tax Exempt Organizations from Duke University in 1990, and earned a master's degree in Recreation Administration from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 1991.
 
From 1991-97, Nass served as general manager with the Chapel Hill Tennis Club in Carrboro, N.C., leaving his post to return to college coaching. During his management tenure, the club's membership grew to become the largest in the state among tennis clubs and the volume of event programming made it one of the most active tennis clubs in the eastern United States.
 
 
 
Complete Letter from David Nass:
"This is to announce that my time as tennis coach at NCCU will end December 31.  I am leaving to be more available for my family.  I have been given unprecedented support over the years at NCCU and will be forever grateful as it has enabled us to produce a strong tennis program. 
 
My long-time best friend and doubles partner Lewis McMillon has been with me every step of the way as a volunteer assistant since the first team practice, spring 1997.  It is impossible to give him the recognition he deserves.  His excellence in training players, with equipment and his help in decision-making have made him invaluable for the program.  I am forever indebted; thank you "Coach Mac."
 
I also truly thank Dr. Virginia Politano (Physical Education) and Dr. Ingrid Wicker-McCree (AD) for allowing me to contribute in two realms, teaching and coaching.   That has been very important to me. 
 
Coach Mac and I went from recruiting in dorms in the D2 CIAA days to now recruiting in 17 countries as a D1 team.  The team has grown from zero wins to become nationally ranked and it has been an exceptionally satisfying journey.  As coaches we emphasized with our athletes the principles of presentation, purpose, preparation, patience, persistence and pride. 
 
Our tennis student-athletes (women and men) have made their coaches proud with team and individual national academic recognitions year after year.  These student-athletes can win both on-and-off the court, which is the core part of the tennis program's mission. 
 
NCCU's tennis history is marvelous.  Now I am history but the future for NCCU tennis looks bright.  Director of Tennis D. Curtis Lawson promotes a plan that fosters growth each year and it is working.  This spring promises to be the best ever for both teams.  Please come to watch.
 
I am stepping away from coaching as a thankful and happy man.  For me road trips are ending and the party is over but for NCCU tennis the road goes on forever and the party never ends."