LOGAN, Utah – Utah State head men's tennis coach Aaron Paajanen has announced the addition of Hunter Nicholas to the staff. Nicholas will be coming from Oklahoma State, where he was a volunteer assistant coach last season.

"I would like to thank Aaron Paajanen and the entire Utah State family for this incredible opportunity," Nicholas said. "It's exciting to be back in my home state  at such an impressive university, and I look forward to continued success with what has been a standout program in the Mountain West."

Nicholas, a Park City, Utah native, helped lead Oklahoma State to a 16-12 dual-match record during the 2018-19 season, guiding the Cowboys to victories over several ranked teams, including California, NC State, Memphis, Texas Tech, TCU, as well as Ole Miss in the first round of the NCAA Championships.

"I am so excited to have Hunter join our staff here at Utah State," Paajanen said. "I'm really excited for the guys on the team. This is an unbelievable opportunity for them to work with someone who has had so much success at every level he's been a part of. Hunter is a very motivated young coach with big goals and aspirations. He has so much to offer this program and we are all very fortunate that he is now apart of the Aggie family."

Nicholas was a standout player at San Diego State from 2010-14, and also had a distinguished professional tennis career. With the Aztecs, Nicholas was a four-year all-Mountain West selection in doubles play, and helped SDSU win the Mountain West regular season title in 2013. He was also an all-conference selection in singles play his senior year.
 
After his time at SDSU, Nicholas played professional tennis for a year and a half. He garnered a 43-20 career doubles record in the ATP/WTA Tour and ITF Pro Circuit main draw. Nicholas was ranked as high as No. 345 in doubles and earned a career-high ranking of 953 in singles.
 
In December of 2015, Nicholas retired from professional tennis and began coaching privately in his home state of Utah, working with players of all ages.

Fans can follow USU's men's tennis team on Twitter @USUMensTennis, on Facebook at UtahStateMensTennis or on Instagram at USUTennis. Aggie fans can also follow the Utah State athletic program on Twitter at @USUAthletics, on Facebook at Utah State University Athletics or on Instagram at @USU Athletics.

-USU-