Timothy Koch '02 named men's and women's tennis head coach

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Rider University Athletic Director Don Harnum has announced the hiring of Timothy Koch '02 as the men's and women's tennis head coach. Koch returns to his alma mater following successful tenures as varsity head tennis coach at the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur with the girls' program and The Peddie School with the boys' team.

"I am extremely grateful and humbled to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater, where I served as captain of the Broncs back in 2001-02, to lead the next chapter of the Rider tennis program," says Koch. "I've always felt we had unfinished business, and I'm keen to put the men's and women's tennis teams on a trajectory, which allows us to compete for a MAAC Championship year in and year out."

Koch established a winning culture at both Notre Dame de Namur and Peddie through a personalized, high-energy, high-motivation approach, both on and off the court. His ability to design innovative approaches to the game and instill confidence left an indelible mark on both programs. Beyond transforming the culture at both programs, Koch equally produced record wins compared to prior years and had a young Peddie boys' squad in the hunt for a league championship.

"Tim certainly demonstrated passion and a vision for the Rider tennis programs, and I am confident he will build a positive, winning culture for both the men and the women," says Harnum. "The fact that he is an alum is certainly an added bonus as we continue to make great competitive strides with both programs. I commend the efforts of Associate Director of Athletics Brian Keane, in leading this successful search for a new head coach."

Growing up in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, Koch made his way into coaching at the age of 14 as part of the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) of Philadelphia, earning Junior Instructor of the Year and the honor of playing doubles with Hall of Famer Chris Evert at Arthur Ashe Tennis Center in Philadelphia. As a player in NJTL, Koch made the All-City Team of Philadelphia and then went on start three years at Neshaminy High School, becoming captain his senior season.

At Rider, Koch served as captain his senior season and played as high as No. 1 singles. He earned awards such as Player of the Week and was named each year to the MAAC All-Academic Team.

"I was grateful to play under the winningest player in Rider's history, the late Ed Torres, who had my back and helped me grow as a tennis player and leader," says Koch. "We spoke about me taking over the program someday...and that day has now arrived. I am thankful to the athletic department, including Gerry Green for his long-time support, and both Don Harnum and Brian Keane for trusting and believing in the vision I have set out for the Broncs, recognizing the relentless energy and passion I have for both coaching and the game of tennis."

Following his college career, Koch established two United States Tennis Association men's teams out of Bucks County. Within a year, each team won district titles. He continued to coach at various camps in the area and trained local players preparing for high school and college.

Outside of tennis, Koch has risen up the ranks in some of the largest global pharmaceuticals in the world over the last 20 years. He currently serves as founder and CEO of Citizen Data Solutions.