The Norwalk boys tennis program will be directed by a new head coach this spring in Nicole Berger. 

A Des Moines native and Dowling Catholic graduate, Berger has been teaching and coaching tennis for about 20 years since earning a Professional Tennis Management degree from Ferris State University. She played collegiate tennis at both Northwest Missouri State University and Ferris State.

Berger believes that Norwalk’s tennis program is on the rise and she is looking forward to her first season as the boys’ head coach. “I’m really excited. I think it’s a great opportunity,” she said. “Norwalk tennis has definitely been growing over the years, so it’s really exciting to be a part of the program.”

Berger’s coaching stops include East Hampton in New York, Vermont and Connecticut. She was also the founder and owner of Paradise Tennis in Key West, Florida for 10 years before moving back to central Iowa with her family about five years ago. Berger is USTA Iowa’s District First Vice President and coached the high school team at Dowling the last two years.

Berger, who was a doubles specialist in college, says her main focus for the upcoming season is coaching consistency, doubles strategy and ball placement. Berger worked with about half the Norwalk team last summer through the town’s park and rec tennis program and is excited for the start of practices this week.

The Warriors open the season on March 28 with a dual meet at Boone.