Alex Martin ’03 and Tessa Kern ’22 were appointed as interim coaches of the men’s and women’s tennis teams, respectively, athletic director Garry Killgore announced in January 2023. Both are Wildcat alumni and former tennis student-athletes. They take over after former coach Ella Riddle-Maliska became Linfield’s director of sport performance.
Martin worked with the current team during the spring and fall of 2022 as a volunteer men’s assistant coach. He spent three years serving as the assistant men’s and women’s tennis coach at Linfield (2005-07), helping lead the women’s squad to consecutive NWC titles and a berth in the NCAA regional championships in 2007. He has also coached at George Fox, McMinnville High School and Woodburn High School.
A four-year tennis letterwinner, Martin was a three-time First Team All-Northwest Conference selection. He captained the Wildcats to consecutive NWC championships in 2002 and 2003. He currently teaches health and chairs the health education department at Woodburn High School.
Kern was a four-year standout for the Wildcats and a member of three NWC championship teams. She was a two-time First Team All-NWC selection and a four-time ITA Scholar-Athlete, ending her career with a 38-11 career doubles record.
Kern currently serves as a head professional at Timberhill Tennis Club in Corvallis, leading lessons and running clinics for junior and adult players. She also runs junior USTA tournaments and community classes.
