Rutgers University - Newark Women's Tennis

Battaglia) back to Rutgers-Newark and can't wait to see the improvements he makes to our men's and women's tennis programs," said Griffin. "He was an excellent player here and has a wealth of experience coaching and recruiting outstanding young men and women in New Jersey, in the Northeast and on a national level."   A graduate of Rutgers-Newark, Battaglia returns to lead the Scarlet Raiders after serving as the head coach of the women's team and an assistant with the men's program from September of 2001 through June of 2003 after playing No. 1 and No. 2 singles as an R-N student-athlete.   Battaglia has been the Director of Tennis at the Clifton Tennis Club since September of 2014, overseeing a staff of nine tennis professionals, teaching youth players and managing all aspects of the five-court facility. In addition to working with players of all ages, the Millstone, N.J. resident organizes and runs a number of charitable events in support of the Special Olympics. Battaglia also designed and maintains  www.northernjerseytennis.com .   He is the Director of Tennis at The Maplewood Club and has served in that role since 2008, developing a grassroots tennis program for players of all ages and skill levels. Battaglia has developed and fostered clinics and camps as well as both group and private lessons for his students, also coordinating tournaments/events for Maplewood residents and guests.   Battaglia worked in a similar role at the Fairfield Racquet Club from 2003-2014, cultivating and growing all aspects of the tennis program in his extensive stay at that facility.   As a coach at Rutgers-Newark, Battaglia handled all recruiting within the state of New Jersey and on a national level and will look to take the Scarlet Raider tennis programs to the next level beginning in the fall.   "My goal here at Rutgers-Newark is to build a competitive team from the inside out," said Battaglia. "If our current student-athletes believe in the program, excitement will build and recruiting becomes that much easier. My long-term plan is to have both the men and women's teams compete during the fall and spring seasons. If we can get a few solid recruits combined with our current players we can make a run at a league title every season."   Battaglia is a United States Tennis Association (USTA) Eastern Zonal Coach for both boys and girls (age 12) and is a United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) certified coach. He also has a 5.0 rating from the National Tennis Rating Program.   "I'm very excited to come back to the place where I went to college," added Battaglia. "Rutgers-Newark shaped who I am today, and I would not be where I am in life without the education received here. My players will have a great experience both on the court and off at the place where I call home."  

Graham seems more of a guru than a typical collegiate head coach -- and that's just perfect for the Rutgers-Newark men's tennis program. Appointed in March of 2009, the soft-spoken mentor was an immediate hit with his young team, helping direct the squad to a 5-5 mark during his intitial season.  His steady encouragement and keen eye for individual instruction helped him build an immediate bond with the squad. Graham, a veteran clinician and instructor who currently provides clinical, group and private lessons at several area racquet clubs, was the head mens tennis coach at NCAA Division I FDU-Teaneck from 1999 to 2004.  A 1976 graduate of the Newark College of Arts and Sciences with a bachelor of arts in zoology, Graham has nearly 25 years of experience as an instructor in the state. He has instructed at Tiger Racquet Club in West Caldwell, Brookdale Country Club in Florham Park, Cranford Racquets, Berkeley Tennis Club in Orange, Baird Community Center in South Orange, Irvington Tennis Academy, Murray Hill Racquet Club in New Providence, West Orange Tennis Club, and Ace Programs in Branch Brook Park in Newark and Brookdale Park in Montclair.  He helped organize and run the New Jersey Tennis Association Championships from 1993 through 1996 and the Herb Connolly Tournament as a committee member from 1987-89.  Graham is an active member of the American Tennis Association and the New Jersey Tennis Association. He also is a certified coach in the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) Registry and has attended numerous USPTA and United States Tennis Association symposia and conferences.