Walt Oden Hired as Head Coach of JCU Men's & Women's Tennis

7/14/2022 11:41:00 AM | By: Joe Ginley '16, SID

Walt Oden previously served as a volunteer assistant with the Blue Streaks for two seasons.

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS – The next head coach of the John Carroll University Men's and Women's Tennis teams has been selected.

Walt Oden is the new head coach of JCU Women's and Men's Tennis. Oden served as an assistant coach with the Blue Streaks for the past two seasons.

"We are thrilled to welcome Walt aboard," said Senior Director of Athletics Michelle Morgan. "Walt's decades of experience in the tennis world, including his two years as a volunteer with John Carroll, will serve him well to lead this program. His knowledge and passion for John Carroll Tennis will be crucial as we look to continue elevating the program."

Oden follows in the footsteps of Shaun Keenan, who served as the head coach of John Carroll's Tennis programs for 13 seasons. Oden worked as an assistant coach under Keenan for the 2021 and 2022 seasons, helping to steer the Blue Streaks to Ohio Athletic Conference Championships on both the men's and women's sides in 2021.

"I want to thank my ultra-talented friend and coach Shaun Keenan for his leadership and trust in me during the last two seasons as an assistant. I can't wait to continue our traditions of excellence. To be a part of Blue Streak nation is beyond an honor. In fact, it's time to get to work!" said Oden.

Oden has a wealth of tennis experience dating back several decades. A certified Elite Professional with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA), Oden currently works as the Director of Racquets at Shaker Heights Country Club. He is also a tennis professional for the Mayfield Village Racquet Club during the winter. Previously, he worked at Chagrin Valley Athletic Club from 2004-21.

Before arriving as a coach at JCU, Oden spent 12 years as the head women's tennis coach at Laurel School. From 2007-19, Oden coached 20 OHSAA State Tournament qualifiers and multiple OHSAA runners-up. He accrued over 100 dual match at wins at Laurel and several Suburban League Coach of the Year awards when he coached the men at Hudson High School.

Oden has been a very involved member of the United State Tennis Association (USTA) with the Northeast Ohio District (NEOTA) and Midwest Section. Oden served in a variety of roles from 1997-2018, including as President, Treasurer, Competition Committee Chair, and a 20-year member of the Board of Directors.

Originally a Southern California native, Oden is a Kent State University graduate. He is also a former full time licensed CPA. A fun fact about Oden? His niece, Lyla Graham '20, competed as a student-athlete with JCU Cross Country and Track & Field.

Oden can't wait to get started at JCU. His first day will be August 1.

"I would like to thank Michelle Morgan, Katie Hine, Al Miciak, and everyone in the John Carroll community for welcoming me aboard," said Oden. "I feel tremendous responsibility to support our players as both athletes, students and humans. Luckily, I got to know our team the last two years. I really care about these young adults as individuals. Let's be honest, you can expect great things in the world from a John Carroll graduate!"

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