BALTIMORE, Md. (May 3, 2019)-Matthew Townes, the 33-year old head coach of the Morgan State men's and women's tennis teams since 2015, has already earned two rings for his fingers. Nothing can stop the high goals of this amazing young coach. After leading the Lady Bears to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) title in 2018 for the first time in 20 years, he came back in 2019 and led the men to their first-ever MEAC trophy.

"For me, being able to win two in a row is just a testament to the dedication I've put in since taking over the helm nearly five years ago," said Townes. "Success isn't overnight, and I've been blessed to have an administration and players who support me and allow us to grow each and every day. Winning these titles is not just a win for me, but for us all."

Townes is a former student-athlete at Morgan State, where he played on the tennis team from 2004-2008. He served as the assistant coach for a year after his graduation and then returned a few years later to lead of both programs.

Since he's been in charge, Townes has won the MEAC Northern Division title five times on the men's side and one time on the women's side. He had his best season in 2018 when he led the men to a 14-5 record and an amazing 13-match winning streak, as well as leading the Lady Bears to a 12-13 record and the MEAC title the same year.

"Winning the men's MEAC title feels amazing. As a former player of this program, it feels extra special to bring the first one to the University," said Townes. "This is for everyone who has come before us and has set a standard for the ones coming after us."

Townes was named MEAC Coach of the Year on the men's side in 2018 and MEAC Tournament Outstanding Coach in the 2018 and 2019.

"Being named outstanding coach two years in a row doesn't happen unless my players perform first," said Townes. "I'm very fortunate to have players that allow me to help them succeed and grow both on and off the court."

Along with his awards, Townes would have at least one player make the regular season All-MEAC team and earn MEAC All-Tournament honors since he's been coaching. With nine out of his 12 current players being international, Townes seems to have found the key to success.

"My mindset going into the NCAA is getting us ready to perform at our highest level possible. Our only expectation is that we play our brand of tennis. No one will outwork us, and we want to enjoy the experience," said Townes. "Playing the defending champs [Wake Forest] on their courts will be a great challenge, but it's a great opportunity to showcase what type of program we are building here at Morgan. Winning the title was not by chance, and our expectation is that we continue to punch our ticket to the NCAA Tournament, and ultimately getting into the second weekend." 

Townes has shown to everyone what dedication and motivation gives you. He is an empathic coach, always there for his players if they need anything and always putting them in the best situation for them to win. He is motivated by his passion for tennis and his desire to always win more. Townes found the key to success and will keep leading the Bears in 2020 and hopefully will be able to take home the trophy with both teams at the same time.