A Letter to Tiger Nation

Tiger Nation:

This letter couldn't wait any longer!  I am so incredibly proud of this group this year and their resilience through a tough regular season that ultimately saw the team grow and learn through adversity!  This challenging year prepared us for our goal of winning the AAC Conference Championship and making the NCAA National Championships and we did just that.

We are the 2025 American Athletic Conference Women's Tennis Champions!

This letter to you is designed to serve as a THANK YOU for all involved in making this a reality.  Let me start by thanking this team; you all never gave up and represented the University in amazing fashion.  To withstand a tough regular season that included eight (8) Top 50 teams and nine (9) teams that have ultimately made the NCAA tournament was impressive.  Regardless of a tough start to the season, you held your heads high and continued to fight and show GRIT, you were simply a gritty group.

My coaching staff; can't say enough about you.  I owe a huge thank you to Ryan Haymond, my Associate Head Coach who was a rock through the whole process.  I appreciate you.  Daryl Greenan; former Head Coach at two Power 5 schools, to lean on you for advice and guidance was truly helpful in a number of ways.  Support Staff – from our Strength Coach Jesse Gebhart to our Athletic Trainer, Phil Kemmerer, you are the unsung heroes and many, many thanks to you guys working hard behind the scenes.  To our other staff in both media relations and facilities, you came through in the end to make hosting the 2025 AAC Championships at home go very smoothly and an event to remember, your help will always be appreciated.  To my direct boss, Cooper Jones and our fearless leader Ed Scott, thank you very much for your support throughout the year; I APPRECIATE YOU. It was great to see the former Mayor Strickland out on Championship Sunday, supporting us in the crowd, he was instrumental in making Leftwich Tennis Center a reality and winning a championship at home would not have been possible with his help and the vision of his and Dr. Rudd.

Please understand that our success is not possible without those of you who support our program financially both publicly and anonymously.  Your help is truly appreciated whether I express it or not throughout the year.  Your help matters, period. If any of you in Tiger Nation are in position to help, please reach out and we can share with you our goals and how your gifts can directly lead us to more championships in the future.

Lastly, thanks to both my wife, Gretchen Perez and Lizzy Haymond (Ryan's wife) as without their support and help, all this would not be possible. They both juggle work and raising two boys each at home and I know at times it can be difficult while we are the road pursuing our dreams.

Thanks again to all our supporters and Go Tiger Go!

Respectfully
Hayden_Signature_Updated

Hayden Perez
University of Memphis – Head Women's Tennis Coach

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