Taylor Graalman tabbed as head tennis coach
MILLIGAN, Tenn. (April 21, 2022) – Milligan University Director of Athletics Christian Pope has announced Taylor Graalman as the Buffs’ next head tennis coach.
MILLIGAN, Tenn. (April 21, 2022) – Milligan University Director of Athletics Christian Pope has announced Taylor Graalman as the Buffs' next head tennis coach.
"I am pleased to announce that Coach Taylor Graalman will be taking over the helm as our new men's and women's tennis coach," said Pope. "Taylor has demonstrated his ability to lead and has worked exceptionally hard at developing his skills under the tutelage of current head coach Ryan Reynolds. I am confident in Taylors ability to continue to build our program with merit and one in which not only succeeds athletically but with excellence in every manner. I am excited for the next chapter of our men's and women's tennis programs at Milligan and look forward to our future under the direction of coach Taylor Graalman."
Graalman spent the 2021-22 season as an assistant coach at Milligan under Reynolds. Reynolds, one of the top tennis players in school history and a five-time Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Coach of the Year, has accepted a tennis position at Sailfish Point Yacht Club in Florida.
This past season, the Milligan men's tennis team enjoyed its winningest season since 1968 as Buffs posted 11 victories. Milligan's women turned in their top season since winning the AAC regular season title in 2016 with a dozen wins, including a pair of triumphs over teams receiving votes in the top 25. Both Milligan tennis teams finished sixth in the AAC and bowed out in the AAC tournament quarterfinals against a top-10 ranked opponent.
A three-year letterwinner and team captain as a Buff, Graalman ranks fifth in program history in singles wins (24) and third in doubles victories (29). During his prep career at Siegel High in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Graalman was a three-time 7-AAA District Player of the Year and a five-time state semifinalist.
His coaching experience includes stops at the Roton Point Tennis and Sailing Club in Stamford, Conn., the Dale Short Tennis Academy in Murfreesboro and the Richland Country Club in Nashville.
He collected a bachelor's degree in business administration from Milligan in May 2020 and earned a Master of Education in December 2021.
"Coaching at Milligan is a dream come true," said Graalman. "It's an honor to follow in the footsteps Ryan Reynolds. He's done a fantastic job and taught me so much. I would not be at Milligan if it wasn't for him. I want to thank Christian Pope and everyone else who trusts me to succeed. It is truly a blessing to have this opportunity to help develop student-athletes both on and off the court. I am super excited to get to work with this wonderful university, staff, and students. Go Buffs!"