Today was the first outdoor match for the Redbirds.
J.P. Ritchie joins Illinois State from William & Mary Tribe as the graduate assistant coach for men's tennis.
At W&M, Ritchie worked as an assistant coach for two years, where his efforts contributed to NCAA Doubles Championship appearances, All-Colonial Athletic Association selections and national rankings. Prior to joining W&M, Ritchie played professionally on the ITF Futures Circuit.
On the professional circuit, Ritchie was ranked as high as No. 1,356 in the South African Airways ATP World Singles Rankings and No. 1,251 in the World Doubles Rankings. Ritchie received his collegiate training at Iowa where he was a four-year letter winner and received his Bachelor's degree in marketing.
Ritchie has also worked as an assistant tennis professional for Iowa's recreational services and worked at the Trent Tucker Tennis Academy at the Grand Health and Racquet Club.
Ritchie will work towards his Master's degree in sport management while attending Illinois State.
