Men?s tennis receives new assistant coach

Fungai Tongoona is about 9,000 miles from home.

Nebraska men?s tennis? newest assistant coach was born in Zimbabwe before he came back to coach for his alma mater.

But what could this man from another continent possibly bring to the Huskers?
Nebraska coach Kerry McDermott believes Tongoona brings a new attitude, good ambition and drive. Not only that, but Tongoona has a lot of familiarity with the program. McDermott went on to say he believes Tongoona will be a good recruiter for the team.

Although he is from Zimbabwe, Tongoona has known Nebraska for a long time. He graduated from NU in 2002 after competing for four years with the Huskers.

During his time at NU, he played both singles and doubles.

Tongoona, like most athletes, just wishes he could have had more success.

?(My career) was OK,? he said.

But playing isn?t all Tongoona has experienced. ?
He started to teach tennis professionally, in 2003. He has worked locally at Woods Tennis Center, while also teaching as far away as in Texas before coming to back to the Husker program this year.

But Tongoona isn?t the only fresh face on the young Nebraska squad, McDermott said.

?We lost 4 of the top 6 guys (on the team),? he said. He believes returning players Andre Strenger, Tom Blackwell and others bring a lot of experience to the Huskers.

?It?s a different year, they work hard, and give 100 percent.?

Tongoona believes the players aren?t just talented on the court, but are good students too. ?

?It?s being a student first, athlete second,? Tongoona said.

Even though Tongoona has only been with the Huskers since Tuesday, he?s noticed their excitement.

?They seem like they?re pretty motivated,? Tongoona said.

And part of what could fuel Nebraska?s motivation this season is Tongoona?s enthusiasm to be a part of McDermott?s staff.

?I jumped at the chance to come back,? Tongoona said.

sports@dailynebraskan.com
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Source: http://www.dailynebraskan.com/sports/men-s-tennis-receives-new-assistant-coach-1.2757438

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