Berger named director of tennis, head women’s tennis coach
INDIANOLA, Iowa — Director of Athletics Marty Bell has announced the appointment of Nicole Berger as the Director of Tennis, a newly established position that will oversee both tennis programs at Simpson College.
Bringing over two decades of experience to campus, Berger will serve as the head coach of women's tennis while offering leadership and strategic guidance for the men's tennis program. Matt Price will continue his role as head coach of the Storm men.
"We are excited for this new chapter for our tennis programs," said Bell. "Coach Berger brings an impressive and successful tennis background, enriched by her extensive experience and connections within the local and regional tennis communities. Her leadership, alongside Coach Price, will provide our student-athletes with the support, structure, and vision needed to cultivate a winning culture and positive experience."
Berger comes to Simpson after spending the last three years as a tennis consultant in the Des Moines metro area. During that time, Berger coached the Norwalk and Dowling Catholic high school boy's teams, leading Dowling Catholic to an individual state title in 2022. Dowling Catholic returned to the individual state tournament in 2023, while Norwalk earned a berth to the tournament in 2024.
"I am excited for the opportunity to share my passion for tennis with the players of Simpson College," said Berger. "I am looking forward to a great first season filled with intense practices, improving during competitions, sportsmanship, and bettering the student-athletes both on and off the court."
Along with her work at Norwalk and Dowling Catholic, Berger helped spearhead tennis camps in Des Moines that attracted over 850 participants in 2023. Berger also collaborated with the Veterans Hospital, Tennis Thanks the Troops, and the United States Tennis Association (USTA) to create the Veteran Tennis program in Urbandale, and partnered with Adaptive Sports Iowa and USTA to launch the first-ever wheelchair tennis program in West Des Moines.
Berger served as the Assistant Tennis Manager at Lifetime Fitness in Urbandale from 2019-21 and was the owner of Paradise Tennis LLC in Key West, Fla. from 2009-19. Her contributions to the sport have been recognized with several accolades, including the USTA Missouri Valley Gold Star Award in July 2020 and the USPTA Pro of the Year in Florida's District 19 in 2015 and 2018.
A four-time collegiate national team qualifier, Berger earned a bachelor's degree in business marketing with an emphasis in professional tennis management from Ferris State University in 2005. She recently completed a master's degree in healthcare administration with an emphasis in senior living from Des Moines University in 2023.
The 2024 women's tennis season kicks off at home on Saturday, Aug. 31 against Ripon. The men open the year against Grand View on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The full 2024 schedules can be found on SimpsonAthletics.com.
