Kalamazoo College Athletics

Mark Denenfeld joined Kalamazoo College as assistant men’s and women’s tennis coach in August of 2015. He was named ITA Central Region Men's Assistant Coach of the Year in 2017 after helping to lead the Hornets to an 18-2 record.

A 2012 graduate of Kalamazoo College, Denenfeld not only brings familiarity to the program but a variety of coaching experience. After graduating from K, Denenfeld served as the interim women’s assistant coach at the University of Illinois from Jan. 2013 to June 2013 where he was in charge of developing practice plans, developing individual game plans and assisting in the recruiting process.

After a one year stint as an assistant at the University of Michigan where he assisted with recruiting while helping the Wolverines to the 2014 Big Ten championship, Denenfeld most recently served as the assistant women’s coach at Kansas State University beginning in Aug. 2014. His responsibilities included recruiting, academic advising, organizing team events and travel as well as assisting the head coach with day-to-day responsibilities.

"I am thrilled to be back in Kalamazoo with the opportunity to work with Coach Murphy and Coach Riley,” Denenfeld said. “My experience at Kalamazoo College as a student-athlete is the reason I pursued a career in coaching and why I look forward to enhancing the academic and athletic experience for all Kalamazoo College tennis players."

During his playing career as a Hornet, Denenfeld was an All-Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association selection three times, including a first team selection in both his junior and senior year. Denenfeld compiled an overall singles record of 46-16 and went a perfect 13-0 in his career in the MIAA.

“Mark’s Division III playing experience coupled with his Division I coaching experience will be an excellent fit as our men’s tennis program continues to improve,” said men’s tennis coach Mark Riley.

“Mark will have an immediate impact on our current players and the recruitment of future student-athletes,” women’s tennis head coach Mark Murphy said.

Two alumni who care deeply about Kalamazoo College tennis are providing funding to support Denenfeld’s position.

Al DeSimone, vice president for college advancement, commented, “We are grateful to these two dedicated alums who stepped forward with generous contributions to launch a two-year pilot program for the tennis teams. In an increasingly competitive Division III landscape, these individuals see an opportunity to sustain the level of excellence that defines K tennis.”

Denenfeld is a native of Kalamazoo, Mich. and a graduate of Loy Norrix High School.