Colin Tavares Joins ECU Women’s Tennis as Assistant Coach

East Carolina University’s women’s tennis program just made a move that’s got people talking. Colin Tavares is stepping in as the new assistant coach.

Kirstin Burgess, now in her sixth year as head coach, announced the news. She sounded genuinely excited about bringing Tavares on board.

Tavares isn’t new to the world of college tennis. He played at both Eastern Florida State College and Nicholls State.

His time on the court gave him a ton of experience. Honestly, his leadership skills and strong track record could really shake things up for the Pirates this season.

Colin Tavares: A Promising Addition to ECU Women’s Tennis

Colin Tavares comes to ECU after a solid four-year run as a collegiate player. He started out at Eastern Florida State College and quickly made an impression.

For two years, he ranked inside the top 15 nationally in doubles. That’s no small feat.

His efforts played a big part in the Titans grabbing third place at nationals two years in a row. Clearly, he knows how to handle pressure and help a team succeed.

Leadership and Excellence at Nicholls State

After two seasons, Tavares transferred to Nicholls State. He kept up the momentum and took on the role of team captain in his last two years.

His teammates and coaches respected him for his leadership. On the court, he held the team’s best singles record in the 2024-25 season, playing on lines two and three.

He also posted the top doubles record across all lines. That kind of versatility isn’t easy to find.

Academic Achievements and Future Prospects

Tavares didn’t just focus on tennis. He graduated from Nicholls State in May 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

That degree says a lot about his work ethic. It probably gives him some extra insight into the mental side of sports, too.

As he steps into his coaching role, both his academic and athletic backgrounds should help him mentor ECU’s players. It’s always good to have someone who gets both sides of the game.

Coach Kirstin Burgess’s Enthusiasm

Coach Burgess couldn’t hide her excitement about Tavares joining the staff. She pointed out his impressive playing career and his willingness to jump in and make a difference.

She clearly believes he’s got what it takes to help the program grow. The way she talks about him, you get the sense she really trusts her decision.

Looking Ahead: The Future of ECU Women’s Tennis

With Tavares now on the coaching team, there’s a buzz around the program. His mix of experience, leadership, and academic chops makes him a strong addition.

The Pirates are gearing up for the new season with a bit more optimism. Maybe this is the fresh start they’ve been waiting for.

Colin Tavares just joined the East Carolina women’s tennis team as their new assistant coach. Honestly, this feels like a big step for the program.

He’s got a strong collegiate playing background, solid leadership chops, and some impressive academic credentials. That mix makes him a pretty compelling addition to the coaching staff.