Mark Finnegan
	Hometown: Kildare, Ireland High School: Institute of Education in Dublin Last College: University of Memphis, 2004 Position: Assistant Coach (Third Season)

Former Tiger tennis player Mark Finnegan has committed to another year as the assistant coach for the Memphis men's tennis program under head coach Paul Goebel. This will be Finnegan's second year assisting the men's program and his third as an assistant for his alma mater. Finnegan served as an assistant for the women's tennis team for a year following his graduation from Memphis in 2004.

"We're really excited to have Mark back with us for another season. Having an assistant like Mark is invaluable to any program," head coach Paul Goebel said. "He's already had a lot of really innovative ideas for the team and he's a great guy to bring back to be around our guys and our program."

As assistant coach, Finnegan's main duties are international recruiting, private lessons for the players and overall development of Memphis' student-athletes.

In Finnegan's first year as assistant coach, the Tigers produced their most successful season under Goebel, finishing with a 14-11 mark. Finnegan also helped coached Jorge Vazquez to All-C-USA first team honors. Coach Finnegan has played a vital role in helping the Memphis tennis program in its transition into their new home at the Racquet Club of Memphis. The facility is currently undergoing a rejuvenation project that has improved the locker room facility and added new outdoor hard courts.

Finnegan graduated from Memphis in 2004 with a degree in finance after playing two seasons following his transfer from Georgia Southern. He battled a shoulder injury his first season for the Tigers, but bounced back to post a 28-21 career singles mark in a Tiger uniform. In doubles, Finnegan posted a 12-6 mark with former Tiger assistant coach Alex Jago.

Prior to his arrival at the U of M as a player, Finnegan had a successful stint at Georgia Southern where he was honored as the Southern Conference Freshman of the Year in 2002. Finnegan was also named to the All-Southern Conference team and was the team MVP for Georgia Southern.

After his graduation and a stint with the University of Memphis women's tennis team, Finnegan returned to his native Ireland and worked for the National Irish Bank. In January of 2007, he returned to the U.S. and went to work as the Program Director at the Cliff Drysdale Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Fla. There, Finnegan worked with a high performance academy and coached highly ranked juniors in the state of Florida. Finnegan also spent a period of time at the Point Clear Tennis Club with fellow Irish touring pro Joseph O'Dwyer. While at Point Clear, Finnegan coached several players who were highly ranked in the state of Alabama, many of whom now compete collegiately around the country.

"I'm excited for the opportunity to be a role model for these young men like many coaches and older players were to me during my collegiate tennis years," said Finnegan. "There are not many opportunities to coach college athletics and I am excited that this one was presented to me. The chance to work with coach Goebel, who coached me, is one that I couldn't pass up. There is not a coach who cares more for his players out there."

Finnegan married his wife, Molly, in May of 2008. The couple currently resides in Memphis.