University of Nebraska at Kearney Men's Tennis

Shafer joined the UNK tennis program in the summer of 2013. He serves as the top assistant to head coach Jake Saulsbury for both the men's and women's squads. In 2014, he helped both UNK squads finish third in the MIAA and reach the NCAA's. The women set a new school mark for doubles wins (20) with the men notching 19. Last year, the Lopers were a combined 42-13 with each squad returning to the NCAA's. Eleven UNK players earned some type of All-MIAA honors with Joey Richards chosen as the Central Region's top rookie. Currently a teaching professional with the Kearney Tennis Association (KTA), Shafer recently was an Associate Pro at Hitters SportsPlex in Middleton, Wisc. He also coached the Middleton High School girls team to two conference championships and an appearance in the state tournament. His passion for teaching tennis was nurtured while working under collegiate coaching legends Dick Gould (Stanford), Frank Brennan (Stanford), and Greg Patton (Boise State). Shafer, a USPTA teaching pro, also spent time in Madison, Wisc., where he worked at Cherokee Country Club, Hawks Landing G.C. and served as Tennis Director at Shorewood. Shafer lives in Kearney with his wife, Kristy, and daughter Zia. Kristy currently is a chemistry professor at UNK. Scott Shafer Assistant Coach Scott Shafer joined the UNK tennis program in the summer of 2013. He serves as the top assistant to head coach Jake Saulsbury for both the men's and women's squads. In 2014, he helped both UNK squads finish third in the MIAA and reach the NCAA's. The women set a new school mark for doubles wins (20) with the men notching 19. Last year, the Lopers were a combined 42-13 with each squad returning to the NCAA's. Eleven UNK players earned some type of All-MIAA honors with Joey Richards chosen as the Central Region's top rookie. Currently a teaching professional with the Kearney Tennis Association (KTA), Shafer recently was an Associate Pro at Hitters SportsPlex in Middleton, Wisc. He also coached the Middleton High School girls team to two conference championships and an appearance in the state tournament. His passion for teaching tennis was nurtured while working under collegiate coaching legends Dick Gould (Stanford), Frank Brennan (Stanford), and Greg Patton (Boise State). Shafer, a USPTA teaching pro, also spent time in Madison, Wisc., where he worked at Cherokee Country Club, Hawks Landing G.C. and served as Tennis Director at Shorewood. Shafer lives in Kearney with his wife, Kristy, and daughter Zia. Kristy currently is a chemistry professor at UNK.

Caleb Diller joined the Nebraska Kearney tennis program in the summer of 2023 and assists head coach Scott Shafer in aspects.  "Caleb is very familiar with the challenge of bringing in all new student-athletes and implementing a team philosophy and identity from day one," said Shafer. "He is articulate, enthusiastic and has a love for tennis, especially the college format."  UNK had a banner 2023-24 season as the men's program returned after a six-year absence. The young Lopers went 13-11 in duals, going 10-2 at home, had several nationally-ranked players and one All-MIAA pick. The women had its most successful season in program history, reaching the NCAA Elite Eight, winning region and conference titles, finishing the year ranked ninth in Division II and having six All-MIAA selections. Subsequently, Diller was named the ITA Central Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year.  Diller came to UNK after serving as a volunteer coach at Division II Lubbock (Texas) Christian for almost two years. During his tenure with the Chaparrals, LCU started both men's and women's tennis. The 2022-23 year was the first competitive season for the Chaps who posted 12-10 (men) and 14-11 (women) overall records. The UNK women beat LCU, 5-2, early in the fall.  "Caleb stood out given his recent involvement in LCU's formation of brand-new men's and women's tennis programs," said Shafer. "In addition to helping get our men's program up and running, Caleb will assist with the women's team as well." Working as an assistant pro at The Falls Tennis & Aquatic Club in Lubbock, Diller also was a volunteer assistant at his alma mater, Division II Shorter (Ga.) University, for 1.5 years. His other tennis experience came at the Coosa C.C. (Ga.) where he was a tennis coach for almost three years. Diller began his playing career at Division III Sul Ross (Texas) State before finishing up at Shorter in 2020. He holds a B.S. degree from SU in Wildlife Ecology/Biology.