UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – Bruce Lipka announced his decision to step down as the head coach of the Penn State men’s tennis program on Monday afternoon in order to pursue a professional opportunity outside of college athletics. Lipka will remain with the program through the conclusion of the fall tournament schedule. Assistant coach Thomas Wright will serve as the program’s interim head coach.
“We're grateful for everything Bruce has contributed to Penn State and our men's tennis program,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Dr. Pat Kraft. “We are incredibly appreciative of the time, energy and commitment he has given to our men's tennis student-athletes. While we will certainly miss having him here, we are excited for Bruce and this next chapter in his professional journey. We wish him nothing but the best and thank him for the impact he's made on Penn State and our student-athletes.”
“I am deeply grateful to Dr. Pat Kraft and his senior staff for their unwavering support and belief in me and our program,” Lipka said. “Their commitment to our student-athletes made it a privilege to lead this team. This was not an easy decision, but it is an opportunity I could not pass up. To the young men I have had the honor to coach: you are the heart of this program, and you have made every day at Penn State a joy. Your work ethic, resilience, and character have made me proud on and off the court, and the bonds we built will last a lifetime. To our athletes’ families: thank you for entrusting me with your sons. Your sacrifice, faith, and support made everything we accomplished possible, and I will carry your trust with me always. I will always cherish my time at Penn State. We Are.”
Lipka served as the head coach of the Nittany Lion program for two full seasons, amassing a 28-28 overall record in dual match competition. He oversaw a turnaround in the 2024-25 campaign that saw the program double its win total from the year before and is fresh off a 16-13 season which saw the Blue & White finish with a winning record for the first time since 2023. Lipka also helped steer Penn State to its most Big Ten Conference dual match victories since 2022 a season ago.
Information regarding the search for the next leader of the Penn State men’s tennis program will be released when available.
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Visit GoPSUSports.com for more information on Penn State men’s tennis. Fans can keep up to date with the Nittany Lion men’s tennis program on Instagram @PennStateMTennis, X @PennStateMTEN, in addition to the program’s Facebook page at /PennStateMensTennis.