IRVINE, Calif. --- UC Irvine men's tennis will have a familiar face guiding them through the remainder of the 2015-16 season with Anteater alum and former Big West Conference champion Mike Saunders to handle the head coaching duties.

Saunders will serve as the interim head coach following the departure of former coach Trevor Kronemann in the fall to assume the position of Director of Junior Tennis for the Southern California Tennis Association.

Saunders was a nationally-ranked junior before playing college tennis for UCI from 1986-90 and helping the 'Eaters win three Big West titles.

"The tennis program and university had such a positive impact on my life. I'm honored to have the opportunity to help make this a smooth transition for our players and enable the program to better leverage Trevor's dedication and success at season's end," Saunders said.

Saunders served as team captain his junior and senior years under coach Greg Patton. During his time as captain, the 'Eaters defeated tennis powerhouses USC and UCLA, advanced to the finals of the ITA national indoors, and were ranked as high as No. 3 in the nation. Saunders won two Big West singles titles at No. 6, earned Big West Scholar-Athlete honors, and was voted Most Inspirational Player by his coaches and teammates.

After graduating from UCI, Saunders played professionally in satellite and challenge tournaments around the world. He later coached Kronemann and David McPherson on the ATP tour the year the doubles duo finished No. 11 in the world and made the semifinals of the ATP World Doubles Championship. More recently, Saunders has worked as a private coach with WTA tour players, Division I college players, and some of the nation's best juniors.

Saunders and the 'Eaters are already off to a 3-0 start in dual matches mixed in with fine performances in various fall individual tournaments. They will resume the season on Saturday, Jan. 16 at University of San Diego.

________________________________________________________

For UC Irvine Athletics ticket information, please call (949) 824-5000 or e-mail athletics.tickets@uci.edu. For more information click here.

For information on how you can help support UC Irvine Athletics, please call (949) 824-6933 or e-mail aaf@uci.edu. For additional information, click here.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and by downloading the UCI Front Row app, available free to all Anteater fans through iTunes and Google Play, to view schedules, results, and up-to-the-minute news.