AVILA HIRES DEREK HOWARD TO LEAD TENNIS PROGRAMS

Avila University has named Derek Howard as the head coach for its men’s and women’s tennis programs, the school announced today. Howard joins the Eagles after 11 years as the head tennis coach at Raymore-Peculiar High School, where he led the girls’ program to its first conference championship in 2022.

What experience does Derek Howard bring to the Eagles?

Howard spent over a decade leading the tennis program at Raymore-Peculiar High School. According to the university, he secured two district titles for the girls’ program and produced eight Missouri state qualifiers. He also played a key role in constructing the RPHS Tennis Complex before the 2022 season.

Beyond tennis, Howard has 10 seasons of experience as a men’s collegiate basketball assistant coach. This includes a tenure at Johnson County Community College from 2012 to 2020.

Did You Know? Derek Howard was instrumental in the construction of the RPHS Tennis Complex prior to the 2022 season.

How will this hire affect Avila University’s tennis programs?

The tennis program is entering its third year as a growing entity. Shawn Summe, Avila’s Vice President of Athletics and Student Affairs/Chief Mission Integration Officer, stated that Howard’s experience will help student-athletes “produce at a high level” while having fun.

Summe noted that Howard has previously coached some of the current student-athletes during their high school years. These students provided positive feedback about Howard during the hiring process.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that hiring a coach with established relationships among current student-athletes could accelerate team cohesion and trust. Transitioning a proven high school leader into a growing collegiate program may provide the stability needed to establish a winning culture early in the program’s lifecycle.

What is Derek Howard’s professional and academic background?

A native of Hamilton, Ontario, Howard played basketball at McMaster University. He later earned a Master’s degree from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 2006.

Howard currently resides in Raymore with his two children, Morgan and Madison. He described himself as a lifelong educator and coach.

What happens next for the tennis program?

Howard may focus on building a culture of pride within the program. He told the university he looks forward to making the tennis experience something student-athletes “will take pride in and never forget.”

As the program enters its third year, Howard is likely to implement the high-level production standards mentioned by Summe. The university expects him to “hit the ground running” with the Eagles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the new head coach for tennis at Avila University?
Derek Howard has been hired to lead both the men’s and women’s tennis programs.

What are Derek Howard’s coaching achievements at Raymore-Peculiar High School?
He led the girls’ program to two district titles and the school’s first conference championship in 2022, while producing eight Missouri state qualifiers.

What other collegiate coaching experience does Howard have?
He served as a men’s collegiate basketball assistant coach for 10 seasons, including time at Johnson County Community College from 2012-20.

How do you think a coach’s previous relationship with student-athletes impacts a team’s success?