University of Richmond Athletics
Former Women’s Tennis Head Coach Mark Wesselink Passes Away
07/23/2024 | Women's Tennis
RICHMOND, Va. – The University of Richmond Athletics community mourns the loss of Mark Wesselink, the long-serving and beloved head coach of the women's tennis team. Wesselink's career at Richmond spanned over three decades, during which he led the Spiders to hundreds of wins and established a legacy of excellence.
"Mark's impact on our University, the Spider women's tennis program, and its student-athletes is immeasurable," said Vice President and Director of Athletics John Hardt. "For more than 30 years, his teams were a reflection of him: honorable, hard-working, and tremendously successful. He leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to Richmond Athletics that few can equal, and he will be terribly missed."
Wesselink's leadership brought the women's tennis program to new heights, garnered national recognition, and upheld the highest academic standards. At Richmond, he amassed 379 wins, nine conference championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances. His dedication and passion for the sport earned him eight conference Coach of the Year awards and established Richmond as a nationally competitive program. In Wesselink's 33 years as head coach of the Spiders, the team finished first or second in their conference in more than half of them (17). After retiring as the head coach of the women's program in 2022, he served as an assistant with the team in each of the last two seasons.
"The Atlantic 10 was saddened to learn of the passing of longtime Richmond women's tennis coach Mark Wesselink. His impact on countless student-athletes through his more than 30 years as a Spider coach are immeasurable," said A-10 Commissioner Bernadette V. McGlade. "Respected by his peers and the tennis community, as evidenced by his seven A-10 Coach of the Year awards, Mark will be remembered as a great ambassador for collegiate tennis. On behalf of the A-10 family, I offer condolences to his family and to all of Spider athletics during this difficult time."
The Richmond Athletics family extends its deepest condolences to Mark's family and loved ones. A Celebration of Life will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 21 in Cannon Memorial Chapel with a reception to follow in the Jepson Alumni Center from 5:30 to 7 p.m.