Northwestern University Athletics
Coaches Corner: Arvid Swan
9/3/2015 11:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
As the Wildcats turn their attention to the 2015-16 season, NUSports.com caught up with men's tennis head coach Arvid Swan to learn a little bit about what he enjoys away from tennis, who he modeled his game after as a player and his favorite thing about coaching at Northwestern. Swan, entering his ninth year at the helm, has guided Northwestern to three straight 20-win seasons and four consecutive NCAA tournaments.
NU: What drew you to Northwestern, first as an assistant, and then as the head coach?
AS: "ITA Hall of Fame Coach Paul Torricelli hired me as an assistant coach. I was excited to work for Coach Torricelli and be part of a university that strived for excellence in athletics and academics as an assistant coach. When I came back to NU as the head coach, I was excited about the opportunity to build my own program that could compete at the highest level nationally."
NU: Growing up playing tennis, who did you model your game after?
AS: "I tried to develop an all court game when I was growing up. I always admired the way in which NU great Todd Martin played."
NU: When did you know you wanted to coach?
AS: "I knew I wanted to coach when I was playing in college and seeing the positive impact my college coaches had on me as a player and person."
NU: How would you describe the current state of the program?
AS: "The state of the program is really good. We have made the NCAA tournament in each of the last 4 years and advanced in the NCAA tournament in 2 of the last 3 years. The players on the team love to practice and compete. Our goal is to continue to improve the program each year."
NU: What do you like to do away from tennis?
AS: "I have an amazing wife and two great kids so I enjoy spending time with my family when I am not with the team. I also enjoy working out, playing basketball and going to different restaurants in Evanston and Chicago."
NU: What kind of student-athlete do you seek to have in your program?
AS: "I recruit talented players who want to work and reach their full potential athletically and academically."
NU: What is the best part of your job?
AS: "The best part of the job is being on court with the players in practice and matches. I am fortunate to coach an incredible group of guys and they make coaching really enjoyable."
NU: What drew you to Northwestern, first as an assistant, and then as the head coach?
AS: "ITA Hall of Fame Coach Paul Torricelli hired me as an assistant coach. I was excited to work for Coach Torricelli and be part of a university that strived for excellence in athletics and academics as an assistant coach. When I came back to NU as the head coach, I was excited about the opportunity to build my own program that could compete at the highest level nationally."
NU: Growing up playing tennis, who did you model your game after?
AS: "I tried to develop an all court game when I was growing up. I always admired the way in which NU great Todd Martin played."
NU: When did you know you wanted to coach?
AS: "I knew I wanted to coach when I was playing in college and seeing the positive impact my college coaches had on me as a player and person."
NU: How would you describe the current state of the program?
AS: "The state of the program is really good. We have made the NCAA tournament in each of the last 4 years and advanced in the NCAA tournament in 2 of the last 3 years. The players on the team love to practice and compete. Our goal is to continue to improve the program each year."
NU: What do you like to do away from tennis?
AS: "I have an amazing wife and two great kids so I enjoy spending time with my family when I am not with the team. I also enjoy working out, playing basketball and going to different restaurants in Evanston and Chicago."
NU: What kind of student-athlete do you seek to have in your program?
AS: "I recruit talented players who want to work and reach their full potential athletically and academically."
NU: What is the best part of your job?
AS: "The best part of the job is being on court with the players in practice and matches. I am fortunate to coach an incredible group of guys and they make coaching really enjoyable."
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