Eric Sturgis has been hired as the new Iowa Central men's and women's tennis head coach.

Sturgis replaces Jerry Thor, who stepped down following the 2020-21 season. 

A graduate of Eastern Michigan, Sturgis holds both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. 

"We are proud to welcome new head men's and women's tennis coach Eric Sturgis to our Iowa Central coaching staff," said Kevin Twait, Director of Athletics at Iowa Central. "Coach Sturgis is a highly decorated coach with tremendous collegiate coaching experience. Our programs have been nationally recognized. We are confident that Coach Sturgis will build on the momentum that Coach Thor created in our tennis program. 

"He will provide a culture and environment where our student-athletes will continue to succeed both in the classroom and on the court."

Sturgis joins Iowa Central following a stint as an assistant coach at Morgan State. He has also made stops at Western New Mexico, Lindenwood-Belleville, Lake Superior State and Nicholls State. 

"The success and support that the team had from the administration, the prior success on and off the court from Iowa Central teams under Coach Thor and the fact that I could see myself being here for many years interested me in the position," Sturgis said. "I'd also like to thank Coach Twait, the search committee and Mr. Beneke for this opportunity.

"I have never been a head coach at the junior college level and I felt that Iowa Central would be a great school to start my junior college coaching career."

His programs have made waves, as the Western New Mexico women won their first-ever conference match under his guidance. He also coached the first-ever nationally-ranked men's singles and doubles teams, and the program was ranked in the Top-30 for the first time in school history. 

A former player at both the collegiate and junior tennis level, Sturgis coached seven individual state champions and three doubles state champions while at Troy High School. He was also named Regional Coach of the Year three times. 

"My short term goals are to continue the success both on and off the court," Sturgis said. "Finishing Top-10 year in and year out, and pushing to finish even higher. Another short term goal is to help each and every player be successful at Iowa Central and to find a four-year school where they can continue their tennis career.

"My long term goal is to continue the excellence of the program and push to finish Top-6 in the nation in the future."

Iowa Central is coming off a memorable season, as both the men and women placed in the Top-10 at nationals for the first time in program history. 

-By Dana Becker