EASTON, Pa. - Ralph Van Ormer, who has served as Lafayette's head tennis coach since the 2016 spring season, is stepping down from his role in order to accept a tennis head coaching position at Muhlenberg College. A national search for his successor will begin immediately. 

"We want to thank Ralph for nearly a decade of service to the Lafayette tennis program and our student-athletes," said Lafayette Director of Athletics Sherryta Freeman. "We wish him the best of luck in his next stop."

Recent notable accolades on College Hill include the first ever men's program victory over Boston U., 4-3, on April 5, 2025 and his 100th career win with the women's squad on March 24, 2024 against Holy Cross, 4-1.

Over the course of his decade at the helm in Easton, Van Ormer coached a multitude of student-athletes to All-Patriot League and Academic All-Patriot League teams, including Caroline Nixon '16, John Yurconic '21, Olivia Boeckman '25 and Arman Ganchi '25. 

He led the Maroon and White through historic wins such as the men's first program victory over Loyola Maryland, 4-0, on April 15, 2023. In the following season, the men's squad also knocked off Colgate, 4-3, for the first time since 2007. Women's tennis triumphed over Colgate on April 14, 2018 by a final score of 4-3 for the first time in 20 years.

Van Ormer holds years of teaching experience in the Lehigh Valley, working as the head pro at Northwood Racquet and Fitness (2011-14) and as the Director of Tennis at Brookside Country Club (2003-11). Before making his way to the Keystone State, Van Ormer spent nine years working in various administrative and teaching roles in Virginia and Florida.

He is a 1993 graduate of Slippery Rock University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in sport management with a minor in business and was a tennis letterwinner. The Patton, Pa. native received a United States Professional Tennis Association Elite Certification and has coached men's and women's teams with experience ranging from the 2.5 to 4.5 levels.

Lafayette recently completed its set of fall matches and is preparing for the upcoming spring season.


For the latest on the Lafayette College tennis programs, follow the Leopards on Instagram @lafwten/@lafmten and X @goleopards.