Matt Cowley named BYU men's tennis assistant coach

PROVO, Utah – BYU men’s tennis head coach Brad Pearce announced Matt Cowley has been hired as his new assistant coach. Cowley comes from the University of Utah, where he graduated in May 2016.

“I’m excited to have an individual of Matt’s background, character and credibility as my new assistant,” Coach Pearce said. “Matt comes from a rich heritage within the Church and represents the third generation of an iconic Utah tennis family, whose roots run deep within the tennis community. My father and his grandfather were teammates at the University of Utah, so I’m looking forward to that same kind of teamwork and synergy as we work together to advance the program here at BYU.”     

As a senior, Cowley compiled a 23-16 overall record at No. 1 singles and went 11-10 in dual matches. He also added a 15-6 record at first and second doubles. Cowley and doubles partner Dan Little were ranked No. 75 in the nation as the top Utes duo.

Cowley looks forward to staying involved with a Division I program and continuing long-term development and growth with the BYU men’s tennis team.

“It’s an honor to be given an opportunity to build and sustain a world class athletics program with a track record of success,” Cowley said. “I’m excited to learn as much as I can from Brad with his background and accomplishments and to be working together on the same side of the net.”

Cowley was named ITA Mountain Region’s Most Improved Player for the 2015-16 season and was one of two Utes to be selected as an All Pac-12 competitor. With a 3.51 GPA he was also named to the Pac-12 All-Academic First Team and became the first Ute in program history to receive a PAC-12 all-academic honor for a third-straight year.

“Tennis has been my passion and a major part of my life for so many years. There were lots of opportunities out there but this was the best decision my wife and I could make for us right now. I’m excited to make connections and strengthen relationships with people here at BYU,” Cowley said.

A four-star recruit from Woods Cross High School in Salt Lake City, Cowley went 10-17 in singles action as a freshman before serving a two-year LDS mission to the Dominican Republic. He returned with a career-long eight match winning streak in singles play and a 13-6 record. As a junior, Cowley saw action at No. 1 doubles to compile a 12-9 record.

“He’s been a standout player, he’s a returned missionary, has a great wife and is about to become a father. He’s taking the next step in life after graduation—and I’m delighted it’s here with us,” Coach Pearce said.

Cowley is the son of Joe and Kim Cowley and recently married former Alexandra “Buggy” Douglas. He graduated with a degree in psychology.