July 18, 2012

Courtesy of Wesleyan University Sports Information

MIDDLETOWN, Conn. - Michael Fried, who served as head women's tennis coach at Wesleyan University this spring, has been named interim head coach of both the men's and women's teams for the 2012-13 season, Athletics Director Mike Whalen announced recently.

Fried added tremendous playing and coaching experience to Wesleyan when he joined the staff as an assistant during the spring of 2011. He served as the primary assistant for both squads later that fall before assuming the reins of the women's team. 

A 1991 graduate of Brown University, Fried was a four-year member of the tennis team and a two-time captain. He anchored the Bears in both singles and doubles after earning national All-America honors during his high school career.

During his playing career, Fried posted wins over eventual Grand Slam winners Goran Ivanisevic, Mark Knowles and Donald Johnson while also competing against other future professionals such as Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Michael Chang. At one point, he topped the Eastern Tennis Association open rankings. 

Fried has had extensive tennis experience as a private coach and has worked as the development director at both the Macci International Tennis Academy in Delray Beach, Fla. and the Seguso-Bassett (now Evert) Tennis Academy in Boca Raton, Fla. He has worked with top ranked juniors from around the world and coached players at ATP Tour events in the United States and Europe.

"Wesleyan is fortunate to have Michael available to handle both the men's and women's programs as interim head coach," Whalen stated.  "He did an excellent job directing our women this past spring after gaining knowledge of our programs for a year under Ken Alrutz.  We thank Ken for his eight years of service and know the transition to Michael for the 2012-13 season will be a seamless one."