Wingate names Michael Cabana as Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach

Wingate, N.C.----Wingate University vice-president and director of athletics Steve Poston announces the appointment of Michael Cabana as head men's and women's tennis coach. Cabana is the first full-time tennis coach in the school's history.

Most recently, Cabana served as the head tennis professional at The Tournament Players Club at Piper Glen in Charlotte. While at TPC Piper Glen, Cabana managed all aspects of the tennis department. He coordinated all men's, women's and junior programs. As part of his duties, Cabana provided group and individual instruction for all ages and ability levels.

Cabana spent 2 1/2 years as the head boys and girls tennis coach at Weddington High School. He led the girls' varsity team to three N.C. 3A state play-off appearances. The Warriors were state runners-up in 2003.

On the boys' side, he mentored the Weddington team to two consecutive N.C. 3A state play-off appearances. The WHS boys registered their first-ever state play-off win during Cabana's tenure. In addition to his coaching duties, Cabana was a business teacher at Weddington High School.

Cabana has extensive teaching experience. He spent two summers as a camp counselor at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. Cabana designed drills to enhance on-court performance and conducted group and private lessons. He also spent six summers as the assistant tennis director at the Nike Tennis Camp, hosted by Williams College in Williamstown, Mass.

Michael Cabana has deep ties to the South Atlantic Conference. He is a 2001 graduate of Catawba College with a B.S. degree in Business Administration. Cabana worked three years (1999-2002) as strength and conditioning instructor at Catawba's Lerner Wellness Center. He designed workouts for clients, helping them maximize their full potential.

Cabana has many goals for his teams. "I want Wingate to make an impact in the South Atlantic Conference and get back to the top (of the SAC standings)," Cabana said. "A conference championship is number one on my list. Our number one goal at this point (is to win the SAC title)."

Cabana's expectations for his student-athletes are clear. "I expect our student-athletes to be hard working and dedicated," Cabana noted. "A positive attitude is a must."

"Michael Cabana will bring energy and excitement to our tennis programs," Wingate vice-president and director of athletics Steve Poston said. "We conducted an extensive search for the right person for this very important position. Michael's teaching experience is a big plus. We look forward to him joining our staff as our first-ever full-time tennis coach."

Founded in 1896, Wingate University is a private four-year co-educational institution offering students active learning opportunities through personalized instruction, world travel, faith nurturing, career development and community service.

Wingate offers more than 37 undergraduate majors in arts and sciences, business, education, fine arts, music and sport sciences. It also offers pre-professional programs and graduate degrees in business, education, physical education and sport administration.

In the spring of 2007, Wingate University will award its first-ever doctor of pharmacy degrees. Bulldog student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division II sports.