Kenneth Graham seems more of a guru than a typical collegiate head coach -- and that's just perfect for the Rutgers-Newark men's tennis program.
Appointed in March of 2009, the soft-spoken mentor was an immediate hit with his young team, helping direct the squad to a 5-5 mark during his intitial season. His steady encouragement and keen eye for individual instruction helped him build an immediate bond with the squad.
Graham, a veteran clinician and instructor who currently provides clinical, group and private lessons at several area racquet clubs, was the head men’s tennis coach at NCAA Division I FDU-Teaneck from 1999 to 2004.
A 1976 graduate of the Newark College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor of arts in zoology, Graham has nearly 25 years of experience as an instructor in the state. He has instructed at Tiger Racquet Club in West Caldwell, Brookdale Country Club in Florham Park, Cranford Racquets, Berkeley Tennis Club in Orange, Baird Community Center in South Orange, Irvington Tennis Academy, Murray Hill Racquet Club in New Providence, West Orange Tennis Club, and Ace Programs in Branch Brook Park in Newark and Brookdale Park in Montclair.
He helped organize and run the New Jersey Tennis Association Championships from 1993 through 1996 and the Herb Connolly Tournament as a committee member from 1987-89.
Graham is an active member of the American Tennis Association and the New Jersey Tennis Association. He also is a certified coach in the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Registry and has attended numerous USPTA and United States Tennis Association symposia and conferences.
