HOUGHTON, N.Y. -- Houghton College has removed the interim tag and named Zach Shilvock as head coach for the men's and women's tennis programs, Director of Athletics Matthew Webb announced today.

Shilvock stepped into the interim position in May after serving a year as an assistant to former coach Tonya McGraner.

This fall, Shilvock led the women's team to a 3-8 overall record and a 3-3 mark in the Empire 8. The team earned the No. 4 seed in the E8 tournament, falling to top-seed Nazareth in a thrilling 5-4 semifinal match. The men's program was 1-0 after the fall and will look to defend their E8 title during their full spring season.

"Zach's commitment to excellence and developing young athletes makes him an excellent candidate to continue leading our tennis program," said Webb. "We are excited about his success already this year and his vision for the future of Houghton tennis."

Shilvock, a 2019 Houghton graduate, was a four-year letterwinner and two-time captain for the Highlanders. He was a seven-time All-Empire 8 Conference selection, earning first team honors for singles as a junior and senior. He was the department's Dr. Marvin E. Eyler Excellence Award recipient, the team's selection for the Empire 8 Sportsman of the Year team, and the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) men's tennis GP4L Character Award honoree following his senior campaign.
 
After graduation, the Alexander, N.Y., native spent a year as the assistant head tennis professional at the University of Illinois Atkins Tennis Center. There he oversaw the center's junior and adult programs while instructing private lessons for all ages.

"Being named the head coach at my alma mater is a special privilege that I could not be more proud about. Houghton College has gifted me so many wonderful relationships throughout my time here, and I am excited to continue to invest in this special community we have," said Shilvock. "I am specifically eager to continue to build meaningful relationships with my student-athletes, while sharing my love and knowledge for this incredible sport. Houghton tennis has been heading in the right direction for several years now, and I am thrilled to continue to journey upwards with this program."