Niagara University alum
Erick Garcia ('06, '08) was tabbed to lead the men's and women's tennis programs in January 2017.
Since taking over the Purple Eagles tennis programs, Garcia has mentored 11 All-MAAC selections and 2022 MAAC Rookie of the Year, Trevor Masi. Garcia has guided the women's team to three MAAC Championship appearances since 2017, while lifting the men's team to its first MAAC postseason birth since 2015 in 2022.
The Oaxaca, Mexico native was a four-year starter and two-time captain for the Purple Eagles, collecting 69 singles wins and 63 doubles victories from 2002-07. Garcia posted two 20-win seasons in singles and registered 10-plus doubles victories in all four seasons. Garcia was a two-time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference All-Academic selection, a two-time ITA Scholar-Athlete and recipient of the men's tennis Taps Gallagher Sportsmanship Award in 2005.
Garcia previously coached the Niagara men's team during the 2007-08 season, leading the Purple Eagles to a 6-1 MAAC record and advancing to the MAAC Tournament semifinals.
"I am really excited to be a part of Niagara Athletics once again," Garcia said. "I look forward to working hard to ensure our tennis programs have the stability and sustained growth for many years to come. I am committed to helping provide our student-athletes with a positive environment that will enable them to have success on the court, as well as in the classroom."
For over a decade, Garcia has been at the Niagara Sports Academy in Niagara Falls, Ontario where he has been involved with the tennis program as an instructor and in operations. He was responsible for coaching national and international junior tennis players, assisting with the recruitment programs and helping with the reorganization of operations, including practice schedules, leagues, lesson plans, tournaments and tournament travel.
"I want to thank Director of Athletics
Simon Gray and Assistant Athletic Director
Derick Thornton for this opportunity," Garcia added. "I want to thank Gary Hall for his tremendous support towards NU tennis. Everyone on the staff has been very positive and welcoming. I will do my best to make everyone proud. To my family, thank you for your unconditional love and support; without you I wouldn't be able to enjoy my job."
Garcia earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Niagara in 2006 and an MBA in international business in 2008.
Garcia is married to the former Kendra Daigler, who was a member of the 2003 and 2005 MAAC Champions women's tennis teams. The couple resides in Niagara Falls, N.Y. with their children, Beau and Sonora.
