POUGHKEEPSIE, New York – Marist Director of Athletics Tim Murray has announced the promotion of Gary Sussman to the newly created position, Director of Tennis. Sussman previously served as the head women's tennis coach and will now take over head coaching duties for the men's and women's team along with two assistants to be named later.

"Gary immersed himself in coaching in his first season leading our women's tennis program, and guided his team back to the MAAC Championship match," Director of Athletics Tim Murray said. "He has helped lead our tennis programs through a smooth transition after having such consistent leadership in our men's program over the last 20 seasons. The director role overseeing both programs has led Marist to sustained success in competitions and the classroom. We look forward to Gary providing consistent success with our men's and women's tennis teams."

The director model is consistent with several other programs including rowing (Tom Sanford), swimming & diving (Larry Van Wagner), and track & field/cross country (Pete Colaizzo).

"I would like to thank Tim Murray for the opportunity to lead the Marist tennis program," said Sussman. The men's team has been elite for quite some time, and the women have made great strides in that direction. I look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition."

Sussman brings a long history of tennis experience to Marist. A teaching professional at various venues in the Hudson Valley, Sussman has also been a USTA competitive 4.0 league player for more than 20 years, playing first and second singles. Along with his local success in tennis, Sussman's coaching experience also runs close to home, coaching his daughter Brynn in high school and college. Brynn graduated in 2015 from Oneonta State as women's tennis' all-time leader in total wins and singles wins.

Sussman is also a certified USTA and ITA roving umpire, along with umpiring the 2017 NYS Eastern Section Regional, Sectional State tournament, Super 6 Boys 16 and under junior tournament, and Super 6 Girls 14 and under junior tournament.

Along with his teaching experience, Sussman has been a press conference moderator at the U.S. Open for the past three years for the opening rounds through finals for men and women.

 Sussman also brings more than three decades of media experience to Marist, including 20 years with the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets, where he was Vice President of Public Relations.  Gary was also the public address announcer for two decades in New Jersey, the longest tenure of any announcer in Nets' franchise history.

The Marist women's tennis team went 6-1 in Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference competition in the 2017-18 season. The Red Foxes qualified for the conference championships as the #2 seed.

The Marist men's tennis team finished last season at 5-2 in the MAAC and 8-6 overall. The Red Foxes went into the conference championships as the #3 seed, besting Quinnipiac University before falling to Monmouth in the championship match.