Adam Zaccara '95 to lead the Salve Regina tennis teams
NEWPORT, R.I. (July 10, 2019) -- Salve Regina University director of athletics Jody Mooradian announces the hiring of Adam Zaccara '95 as head coach for the Seahawk men's and women's tennis programs.
Zaccara becomes the first former player to return as head coach of the Salve Regina tennis programs, joining fellow alums Eric Cirella '05 (baseball) and Sean Foster '97 (men's basketball) on the current Seahawk staff of head coaches. He also joins a list of other players who returned as assistant coaches with tennis - Beth-Anne Rafanelli '96, Botum (Bou) Bennett '00, Marissa (Giaimo) Pilku '06 - while former four-year women's tennis captain Kristen Gangemi '96 guided the Seahawk field hockey and women's lacrosse teams (combined seven seasons from 2000-2003).
"Adam contributed as a volunteer last season when (former head coach) Pete Torgrimson and his wife, Lindsey, were expecting their first child," says Mooradian. "As an alum, he made instant connections with our players while providing invaluable assistance for Pete. Having played (1991-1995) when current associate athletic director Ed Habershaw served as our head coach, Adam also brings a great deal of knowledge and affection for the history of the school and its athletic programs."
"It is so great to call myself a 'Salve Seahawk' again," exclaims Zaccara. "I had some of the best memories of my life the four years I spent as a student athlete playing tennis for Salve Regina University. It is surreal to be walking back out on the same courts leading the teams to winning seasons again."
Salve Regina won three of its record 15 Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) titles during Zaccara's four years playing. Habershaw points out that Zaccara's leadership skills shone as a freshman.
"Adam played No. 4 singles his first year behind two fourth-year players (Sean Brown '93 and Josh Keller '92) and his fellow classmate (Pete Stanley)," says his former head coach. "When we arrived at our flighted conference championship in Milton, Mass., that April, we were missing our top singles player. Adam took on the role with no questions asked and advanced to the finals, while his other teammates competed in their customary positions to capture individual honors."
In addition to his alumni status, Zaccara packs experience as a tennis player, coach, instructor with over 30 years in U.S.T.A. and U.S.P.T.A. events. He possesses all necessary certifications including CPR/First Aid, U.S.P.T.A. Professional, licensed chauffeur. His commitment and passion for the University's mission are evidenced in Zaccara's other endeavors including founder and/or organizer of several non-profit tennis-related events such as ACEing Autism, USTA Net Generation Youth Wheelchair Tennis Camps.
He enjoyed five seasons (2006-2010) as an instructor and outdoor club manager at the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport. This year he'll return to the historic grass courts as head coach of the women's program when Salve Regina University hosts the 36th annual Grass Court Doubles Championships in September.