Nick Dargene Named Women's Tennis Assistant Coach

Adds PE teaching to his duties at the Academy

Nick Dargene signed a three-year deal to remain as assistant women's tennis coach at USAFA
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July 7, 2009

Nick Dargene, who joined the Air Force women's tennis program as an assistant coach last fall, has signed a three-year contract and will add duties as a physical education instructor at the Academy beginning this fall, according to head coach Kim Gidley.

"We are thrilled that Nick will be staying at the Academy," said Gidley. "He established a great rapport with the team and is a very self-disciplined worker. His ability to work and compete with the players will help take this program to the next level."

Dargene, a native of Rockford, Ill., was an assistant coach for the women's tennis team at Wyoming before joining the Air Force staff. Prior to his stint with the Cowgirls, he spent three years as a volunteer assistant tennis coach and administrative intern at his alma mater, the University of Iowa. During that time, he was served as the head tennis professional and program coordinator at the University Athletic Club (June 2004 -June 2006), while providing tennis lessons for the University of Iowa's Recreation Services Department (June 2002 - June 2006). His responsibilities included all aspects of tennis management at the club which entailed private lessons, junior programs, adult clinics and leagues.

Dargene began his collegiate career as a student-athlete at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey. He compiled winning records at the number two and three singles positions and the number one and two doubles spots. He was also honored as the NEC Athlete of the Week and received the Most Improved Athlete Award given by his team during his sophomore season.

An avid tennis player, he started taking lessons at the age of five and began playing in junior tournaments when he was 12. Throughout his juniors career, he was a highly-ranked USTA player in the Northern Illinois District, including being ranked number one in the USTA boys 18 and under in 1998. In high school, Dargene was a three-time state qualifier earning all-conference honors twice and all-state once. During that time, he was named the team MVP as a junior and senior, while being named a team captain.

Dargene earned a bachelor's of business administration in marketing with a minor in political science from the University of Iowa in 2003. He completed his master's in sports in health studies from Iowa in December of 2006.