Chris Sagers extended as UNI tennis head coach
7/10/2025 11:07:00 AM | Women's Tennis
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — UNI Athletics and head tennis coach Chris Sagers have agreed to a two-year extension through the end of the 2026-27 season, as announced by the Panther Athletic Department on Thursday.
"Chris Sagers' contract renewal comes after a memorable season," said Director of Athletics Megan Franklin, "highlighted by seniors leaving their leadership legacies and the program's first appearance in the MVC Championship Tournament since 2022. Beyond the wins, Chris brings passion and a deep commitment to both his team and the Cedar Valley tennis community. I am grateful for his continued leadership."
Sagers recently completed his 11th season at the helm of the UNI tennis team in 2024-25 with the Panthers qualifying for the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Tournament for the first time since 2022. After a 4-4 conference slate this past season, UNI tennis took on Belmont in the first round of the MVC Tennis Championships. Sagers ranks third in program history with 63 career dual wins as head coach.
During Sagers' tenure at UNI, seven Panthers have been named to the All-MVC Singles Team including the latest addition of Andjela Raznatovic in 2025. The Panthers have crowned one MVC singles champion (Astrid Santos, 2016), one set of conference doubles champion duo (Thaissa Moreira/Olivia Fain, 2019) and an MVC Player of the Year in Erica Medlin (2015) since Sagers arrived at UNI.
"It has been an amazing experience serving as the Head Tennis Coach here at UNI," said head coach Chris Sagers. "UNI is surrounded by outstanding coaches and faculty which has made it a great place to work! I would like to thank President Nook, Megan Franklin, and Ben Messerli for this extension and for trusting me to serve as the Head Coach of UNI Tennis! I'm looking forward to an outstanding year! Go Panthers!"
In the classroom, nine athletes have been named to the MVC Scholar-Athlete Team, with four CSC Academic All-District Team selections and 12 being named to the ITA Scholar-Athlete Team, while the team itself has been named an All-Academic Team three times.
Prior to UNI, Sagers served as the head tennis professional at the Black Hawk Tennis Club in Waterloo from 1999 to 2011 before taking over as owner in 2011. He continues to serve as the Director of Tennis at the Black Hawk Tennis Club. Sagers also served as a head tennis professional at the Wakonda Club in Des Moines from May 1999 to Sept. 1999.
Sagers played for the UNI men's tennis team from 1995-99 in the no. 1 singles and doubles for the Panthers. He currently resides in Cedar Falls with his wife, Tara and their daughters Madison and Mackenzie.
UNI tennis action can be followed all season long on social media on Facebook (UNI Tennis), X (@UNITennis) and on Instagram (@uniwtennis). The 2024-25 schedule and roster, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
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