PROVO, Utah – BYU men’s tennis head coach Dave Porter today announced he is retiring from coaching at BYU after more than 40 years of coaching in college athletics. With a record of 1,438-223, Porter has amassed the most wins by a head coach in NCAA tennis history.
“I was taught the wisdom of making our entries and exits in life graceful,” Porter said. “For the past four decades I have enjoyed the privilege of coaching collegiate tennis. I love the universities where I have served, the tennis program we have built and the players whom I have had the privilege of coaching. I am grateful for the support and integrity of the athletic program at BYU and proud to be part of it. Tom Holmoe, Brian Santiago and the exceptional people with whom they have surrounded themselves with are wonderful to work with.
My physical capacities now, however, are not what they once were and need to be. It is for that reason alone that I am retiring from active coaching. I will do all in my power to have a successful transition and to assist my successor as they continue the quest for excellence in BYU Athletics.”
Porter came to BYU from BYU–Hawaii, where he started both the men’s and women’s tennis programs. During his 33-year career with the Seasiders, Porter won 11 national championships (nine women’s, two men’s) while compiling a 1,410-188 record.
Porter was named ITA National Coach of the Year six times. He coached 57 All-Americans and became the first coach in NCAA history to coach a men’s and women’s team to national championships in consecutive years (2002, 2003). In addition to his coaching duties, Porter was a professor of exercise and sports science at BYU–Hawaii.
“Well done, Dave Porter,” said Tom Holmoe, BYU director of athletics. “Your long and successful career coaching men’s and women’s tennis at BYU-Hawaii and BYU has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of your student-athletes. Few coaches could match your records, and we’re all grateful for your work.”
As men’s tennis head coach at BYU, Porter had a 28-35 record. During that time, he also oversaw the women’s program in his role as director of tennis. The women earned a 38-33 record over three seasons and a No. 54 national ranking in March 2023.
The men had top-five West Coast Conference finishes in two of Porter’s three years in Provo, including second place in 2021. He also coached two singles players to national rankings in Sean Hill (2021) and Wally Thayne (2023). The Cougars earned eight All-WCC honors under Porter.
Porter’s teams consistently performed well at home, registering a combined 21-9 record in Provo. His marquee win with the Cougars came at the BYU Indoor Tennis Courts on April 1, 2023, with a 4-2 victory over No. 27 San Diego.
Porter graduated from BYU in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in physical education. In 1977 he completed a master’s degree in exercise physiology from his alma mater. He later earned a doctoral degree in education from the University of Hawai’i.
A native of Provo, Porter competed in both tennis and basketball at BYU. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New England. He and his wife, Lorrie, have four children and 13 grandchildren.