Wingate University director of athletics Kelley Kish announces the hiring of Derrick Taylor as men's and women's tennis head coach for the nationally-ranked Bulldogs. Taylor joins the Wingate family after six seasons as the assistant tennis coach at Columbus State University in Columbus, Georgia. The CSU grad begins his Wingate adventures on August 15.
Taylor assisted Columbus State head coach Evan Isaacs during one of the most successful runs in Cougar history. The two-time ITA Southeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year for men's tennis, Taylor helped the CSU men win ITA national indoor championships in 2020 and 2021. The Cougars were NCAA men's tennis runners-up in 2019 and 2021. The Cougars earned five Peach Belt Conference titles (three men, two women) during his tenure.
"Similar to the high expectations upon which our tennis program has been built, we were very intentional and meticulous in finding the right person to lead the program," Kish says. "I am thrilled that Derrick is joining our Wingate Family. We know he will work tirelessly to build upon the strong foundation and history of our tennis teams. Beyond the championship culture and national team and individual achievements, Derrick brings an incomparable drive that keeps the student-athlete experience the top priority."
Additionally, Taylor has been the owner and head tennis coach at the Rock Tennis Academy, LLC in Columbus, Georgia for seven years. A certified PTR high performance coach, Taylor provided guidance for his coaching staff and managed all on- and off-court activities. He coached 10 Rock Tennis Academy juniors to college scholarships, with eight signing with NCAA Division I and Division II schools.
"I am honored to serve as the next head tennis coach at Wingate University," Taylor says. "Wingate is definitely a great place to start my head coaching journey. I know Kelley Kish and her staff will help me grow. I see endless possibilities for me and my family."
"I look forward to meeting the student-athletes in person…we will hit the ground running," Taylor says. "I hope we can continue Wingate's successes as I make my own mark. I am appreciative to Evan Isaacs for his mentorship during my time at Columbus State…I will carry his influence with me. I am super-excited to get to work at Wingate…and make new memories."
Derrick Taylor biographical sketch
- Named 2021 and 2022 ITA Southeast Region Assistant Coach of the Year
- CSU won two ITA men's tennis indoor national championships (2020, 2021)
- Cougars were the ITA men's tennis indoor runners-up once (2022)
- Led the CSU men to two NCAA men's tennis runners-up showings (2019, 2021)
- Helped the CSU women reach the NCAA Division II final four twice (2019, 2021)
- Guided the Cougars to five Peach Belt Conference titles (three men, two women)
- Earned a bachelor's degree in kinesiology at Columbus State
- Competed two years at CSU, helping the Cougars with their first PBC title in 2014
- Columbus State was ranked number four in the ITA final rankings both of his playing seasons
- Played one season at the College of Coastal Georgia, claiming a top 20 NCAA doubles ranking
- Competed two years at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia
- While at ABAC, Taylor helped the team finish in the NJCAA top five both years
- Held an NJCAA top 15 doubles ranking his sophomore season
- Helped the ABAC Golden Stallions win two NJCAA Region 13 crowns
What They Are Saying
Wingate University director of athletics Kelley Kish
This is an exciting time for Wingate Tennis. Derrick's leadership will bring together his hands-on experience building sustained success and our tremendous rosters filled with established and strong returners plus exciting newcomers. I look forward to watching Derrick apply his NCAA DII national, regional and conference success to our goals within the South Atlantic Conference, region and DII.
Wingate head tennis coach Derrick Taylor on how his team will reflect his style
Our teams will be very physical. We will give maximum effort from number one through number six singles…my mentality is we are never going to surrender a point. I am a big doubles guy. With the NCAA scoring model, it is crucial for us to get a big jump in doubles play. We will be super solid at each of our three doubles' flights. We will be aggressive…and jump on top of points from the first rally.
Columbus State head tennis coach Evan Isaacs
Wingate University hit a home run with this hire! Derrick will do great things at Wingate…he's ready for this challenge. I am excited to see what he accomplishes.
During our time together at Columbus State, I challenged Derrick to think and make decisions like a head coach. We would talk about the decision-making process. I believe it is imperative for our assistant coaches to have a vested interest in our program. Derrick excelled in this arena.
One of Derrick's most amazing assets is his respect for the game. He did a great job with us, helping us build the program. Derrick has really grown as a coach…he has a passion for the game. He is a sponge, always learning and encouraging our players to learn as well.
Peach Belt Conference commissioner Dave Brunk
Derrick has been an integral part of one of the nation's best tennis programs and coaching staffs while at Columbus State. The mentorship he received from head coach Evan Isaacs has prepared him for this opportunity…I wish him all the best.
Previous Wingate head tennis coach Michael Cabana ('08, MASM)
I am excited for the players to have a coach like Derrick leading them. I know they will have continued success with Derrick as the head coach. I am looking forward to being a fan and watching them improve and reach new heights.
Previous Point (Ga.) University assistant tennis coach Jeri Stewart
I believe the timing is right for Derrick. During our five years together at the Rock Tennis Academy, Derrick had an even-keeled temperament and a calm demeanor when dealing with the players. I thought he had a good rapport with the players…I could trust him to handle things in my absence.
The players respected Derrick and they would do anything for him. I believe Derrick is a life-long learner who is always looking to improve himself. He's excited about the possibilities at Wingate. I look forward to following his progress.
Wingate University women's tennis quick facts
- Wingate women's tennis has won 10 of the last 11 regular season SAC titles
- The 'Dogs are 114-3 in league play since 2011
- WU also has six SAC Tourney titles the last decade
- 16 total SAC championships since the start of the 2011 season
- Four straight NCAA Tournament bids and nine in last 11 years
- Wingate earned NCAA regional hosting duties in back-to-back years in 2018 and 2019
- The 'Dogs have had two of the last three SAC Scholar-Athletes
- First three ITA All-Americans have come in the last three years
- ITA All-Academic Team honors in 2022 with six ITA Scholar-Athletes
- National winner of prestigious Arthur Ashe Award in 2018 (Sydney Homan)
- The 'Dogs advanced to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16 in 1996
- WU Sports Hall of Famer Jill Deardorff ('92) advanced to NAIA nationals as a senior
Wingate University men's tennis quick facts
- Wingate men's tennis has made four straight NCAA Tourney trips and seven in the last 11 years
- The 'Dogs have piled up 14 SAC titles the last 12 seasons
- WU has nine regular season SAC titles & five tourney championships
- The Bulldogs are 121-10 in league play since 2009
- The 'Dogs return four All-SAC honorees, led by 2022 SAC Freshman of the Year Florian Walcher
- Wingate has had three of the last four SAC Scholar-Athletes
- ITA All-Academic Team with seven ITA Scholar-Athletes in 2022
- Five ITA All-Americans since 2019
- Wingate won two NJCAA men's tennis national championships (1970, 1971)
- Three members of the 1971 team belong to the WU SHOF: Coach Ron Smarr and student-athletes Audley Bell and Juan Diaz
