Hammer Named Franklin Men's Tennis Head Coach

By Press release submission

Aug 29, 2022

Long-time assistant coach Ryan Hammer '15 has been named the new head coach of the Franklin men's tennis program, with the announcement coming on Tuesday (Aug. 23) afternoon.

Hammer has assisted with both the men's and women's programs since 2015, following the completion of a successful playing career where he was a staple at the top of the Grizzly lineup.

"I would like to thank Coach Hendricks for this opportunity, I am incredibly grateful and honored to be the next men's tennis coach at Franklin College," Hammer said. "I would also like to thank Coach Hughes and Coach Moran for everything they have done to prepare me for this role. Lastly, I would like to thank my wife, Chelsea, for being supporting and understanding what this program has meant to me. I have been a part of the Griz tennis program for 11 years now and it has been instrumental in my growth as a person, an athlete and a coach."

"Having been one of the best tennis players ever to come through Franklin College, Coach Hammer has remained closely connected to the men's and women's programs over the years," Director of Athletics Andrew Hendricks added. "His commitment to his alma mater and passion for the game of tennis are ingredients for great success. We have been blessed with the leadership and passion of Coach Hughes and Coach Moran in recent years and excited to see what Coach Hammer serves up this season. Ryan is genuinely one of the nicest people you will meet, and while he is a consummate professional, his competitiveness on the tennis court will take the energy of the team to another level."

During his time as a player, Hammer was named First Team All-HCAC in all four years and helped guide Franklin to the conference tournament each season from 2011-15. Hammer racked up 25 singles wins and 33 doubles victories, helping Franklin finish at .500 or better in each of his seasons in the blue and gold.

Since wrapping up his playing career, he has stayed involved with both tennis programs at FC, assisting current women's head coach Rusty Hughes and former men's head coach Justin Moran '11. He is excited to continue his work with the men's team, which is coming off their first winning season since 2014-15.

"I look forward to continuing our tradition of coaching our young men to be great students, athletes, leaders and most importantly, human beings," Hammer continued. The program has a very solid foundation and great support, so it is primed and ready to take the next steps both on and off the court."