Lobo Tennis Lands Proven Winner Rob Bareford as New Head Coach
The University of New Mexico has announced the appointment of Rob Bareford as the new head coach of the Lobo men's tennis team. Bareford brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, having led Radford University to two conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances. His arrival in Albuquerque is set to bolster the Lobos' tennis program and propel it to new heights.
Elevating the Lobo Tennis Program to New Levels
A Coaching Career Marked by Success
Rob Bareford's coaching career has been defined by his ability to turn programs around and achieve remarkable success. During his six-year tenure as a head coach, Bareford has amassed an impressive 62-37 (.626) overall record, showcasing his expertise in developing student-athletes and building winning programs.Bareford's most notable achievements came during his four-year stint at Radford University, where he led the Highlanders to a remarkable turnaround. After inheriting a program that had just a 43-81 record in the six previous seasons, Bareford guided the Highlanders to winning seasons in all four of his years at the helm. This included a pair of Big South tournament titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2019 and 2022.
Navigating Challenges and Achieving Resilience
Bareford's coaching journey has not been without its challenges. During his two-year tenure at Montana State, he faced a significant setback as injuries decimated his roster, leaving the Bobcats with just three healthy players for the majority of the 2023 season. However, Bareford's resilience and ability to adapt shone through, as he led the Bobcats to a bounce-back season in 2024, securing nine wins and a 4-4 record in Big Sky play.
Developing Student-Athletes and Building Winning Cultures
Bareford's success extends beyond just winning on the court. He has a proven track record of developing student-athletes and fostering a winning culture within his programs. At Radford, he coached 26 ITA Scholar-Athletes and nine All-Big South singles players, as well as five All-Big South doubles teams. This includes the 2022 Big South Player of the Year, Demis Taramonlis, who was a three-time all-conference honoree in singles and doubles.
Bringing Expertise and Enthusiasm to the Lobo Family
As the new head coach of the New Mexico Lobos, Bareford brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. His ability to turn around struggling programs, develop student-athletes, and build winning cultures will be invaluable assets as he takes the reins of the Lobo men's tennis team."We are excited to have Rob join the Lobo Family," said Vice President/Director of Athletics Eddie Nuñez. "He brings a history of success and developing student-athletes, and he has done a great job of building programs."With Bareford's leadership and expertise, the Lobo men's tennis program is poised to reach new heights and establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the collegiate tennis landscape.
