Aug. 25, 2005

WACO, Texas - Former Notre Dame tennis standout Ryan Sachire (pronounced Sach-er-ee) has been named an assistant coach for Baylor's men's tennis team Matt Knoll, Director of Tennis Operations, announced today. Sachire replaces Rob Cheyne who recently resigned to attend chiropractic school in his native New Zealand.

Sachire, who graduated from Notre Dame in 2000, was a three-time All-American during his four years at the school. As a senior, Sachire was named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association's (ITA) Senior Player of the Year. He ranked as high as No. 2 in the ITA rankings throughout his career with a final listing of No. 9 as a senior. The four-time Notre Dame most valuable player finished his Irish career with a singles record of 138-44 and a 73-32 doubles mark. He ranks No. 2 on both Notre Dame's singles career wins list and in combined wins (211) and is No. 7 in career doubles wins. While with the Irish he amassed a career dual match record of 77-19, all at the No. 1 spot.

After completing his collegiate career, the 6'6" right-hander joined the professional ranks where he climbed as high as No. 184 in the doubles rankings and No. 391 in singles.

Sachire comes to Baylor from the Wickertree Tennis and Fitness Center in Columbus, Ohio, where he served as Director of Tennis.

"I am delighted that Ryan has decided to join our staff, we are fortunate to have a person with his integrity and character on board." said Knoll. "He knows from his own experience how much college tennis can serve as a stepping stone to the professional circuit. Our players will benefit greatly from his knowledge and experience."