—Submitted photo/Virginia Athletics: Brian Rasmussen, a Fort Dodge native and FDSH graduate, instructs University of Virginia tennis players.

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Brian Rasmussen has been tabbed the head assistant coach for the Virginia men’s tennis team.

Rasmussen, a 2009 Fort Dodge Senior High graduate, replaces Scott Brown, who was recently named head coach at Vanderbilt. Rasmussen previously served as a volunteer assistant under Andres Pedroso, director of tennis for the Cavaliers.

“UVA men’s tennis is so special to my family and I,” Rasmussen said. “We absolutely adore the tennis community that surrounds UVA tennis. The alumni of the program and cohesion of both staffs on both men’s and women’s tennis is rare and makes for a special experience for our student-athletes.

“The integrity and values that the University and athletic programs represent mean so much more than any accolades we could achieve on the tennis court. With that being said, I am so excited to continue to push these young men to be the best tennis players, students and members of the community they can be. It is a huge privilege, and coming off back-to-back national championships, I feel especially grateful to have been here to support their successes so far.”

Rasmussen and his wife, Becca, arrived on campus in the fall of 2018. Pedroso had just recently been promoted to his current role within the program.

“We were blown away by Andres’ vision and the history of success here,” Rasmussen said. “I knew I would be challenged in so many ways to grow. I believe UVA tennis is a family oriented program– we are all so close, and to immerse my wife and children in this culture is the glue that has kept us in Charlottesville.”

Rasmussen briefly took over as the senior high-performance coach at Boar’s Head Sports Club before returning to Virginia to assist with the run to a second consecutive NCAA title this past spring.

Prior to coming to Charlottesville, Rasmussen spent four seasons as an assistant coach at Valdosta State, helping lead the men’s tennis team to regular season and conference tournament title titles, as well as earning a Top-5 Div. II national ranking every year he was there.

Under his guidance, eight Blazers earned first team All-American accolades and three were named GSC Conference Player of the Year.

Rasmussen is a 2013 graduate of Wartburg College, where he also played tennis for the Knights. He also served as an ATP hitting partner for various professional players working under Craig Boynton and the CourtSense Tennis Academy.

“I am beyond excited to bring back and promote Brian Rasmussen to our assistant coaching role,” Pedroso said. “Both on the front lines and behind the scenes, Brian has played a pivotal role in building our culture, developing our players on and off the court and making sure our team continues to enhance our strong connection with the Charlottesville community.

“On a daily basis, Brian is going to challenge our program to evolve, adapt and innovate our approach to the overall development of our student-athletes. He is a rising star within collegiate tennis and someone who represents the values and integrity of the University of Virginia.”