Dixie State College Athletics

(ST. GEORGE. UT - Mar. 1. 2006) As Dixie State College continues to prepare itself for NCAA Division II competition. the college's athletic department today announced the creation of a women's tennis program and the hiring of Andy Fitzell as coach of the new program. which will begin competition this fall. The college will also soon add a program in either women's golf or cross country. bringing Dixie State into compliance with the NCAA's 10-sport requirement. Previously. the college's athletic department has included programs in football. men's basketball. baseball. men's golf. women's volleyball. women's basketball. women's soccer. and softball. This is an important step as we enter our first full year of competition at the NCAA Division II level this upcoming fall. said DSC athletic director Dexter Irvin. Coach Fitzell brings with him all of the attributes to build a successful tennis program. and we're very pleased to have him onboard. Fitzell is currently the director and part owner of the renowned Vic Braden Tennis College in St. George. a capacity he has served in since September 2004. He has also worked as a teaching pro for the Vic Braden Tennis College in both St. George and Palm Springs and for the Park City Racquet Club in Park City. Utah. He currently competes professionally on the USTA/ITF Pro Circuit and was Top 5 in singles and doubles in the Utah Men's Open division between 2001-2004. Fitzell played his collegiate career at Weber State University and attended Dixie State College. where he received his associate degree. Being a Dixie grad myself. it feels great to be back. Fitzell said. I'm very excited for the opportunity to be an NCAA Div. II tennis coach and for all the opportunities and learning experiences that come with a position such as this. Fitzell expects to carry a roster of between 8-10 players and will begin recruiting immediately. Women's tennis is a dual semester sport. with match play in both the fall and spring. Championships are held in the spring. As per NCAA requirement. the Dixie State athletic department has also recently added a senior women's administrator (Linda Huddleston. who currently coaches soccer as well). a compliance officer (Jason Graff. who also doubles as assistant coach for the women's basketball team). and a faculty athletic representative (Tim Eicher. who is currently serving as chair of the Education and Family Sciences department). (Murray. UT/Murray HS) #