Hans Olsen
Women's Head Coach
Hans Olsen is no stranger to success and the work that is involved in developing a top-notch program. Olsen joined the Wolfpack family on November 1, 2001, becoming the eighth head coach in NC State women’s tennis history. Olsen enters his twelth season at NC State. Coaching his teams to reach the NCAA tournament a record four times during his tenure.
Olsen came to NC State after developing a Charleston Southern tennis dynasty in the Big South. In those years, his men’s and women's teams have consistently appeared in the Big South Conference finals during his five years as head coach with the Buccaneers. Olsen’s men’s teams have claimed four consecutive team championships. In his first year at the helm, his team posted only two losses before mounting a 36-match win streak in the conference and a 29-match home win streak versus all opponents over the next four years. Olsen also led his women’s teams to runner-up finishes in the league. He coached 31 All-Big South performers, 19 on the men’s side and 12 for the CSU women. He departed as the winningest coach in Charleston Southern history with a record of 89-31 (.685) for the men, and a combined record of 133-92 (.591). His efforts have been noted by the Big South Conference, hence being named a four-time Coach of the Year during his young career.
Olsen brings valuable NCAA experience to the head coaching position at NC State. His men’s squads reached the big tournament in 1999, 2000 and 2001. Prior to the Olsen era, no team in CSU history had been nationally ranked. In his third year, the team stepped into the national spotlight making its debut at No. 70. Olsen began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Coastal Carolina University, before returning to Charleston Southern as an assistant coach in 1995.
"I truly enjoy working with athletes who have a sincere interest in reaching their potential both on and off the court" said Olsen. Team building is one the cornerstones of the women’s tennis program at NC State. NC State provides the ideal environment for each student-athlete to develop their character and confidence.
Olsen is also active off of the court. He is the co-author of "The Mental Game," a video dealing with training in imagery, relaxation techniques, concentration and goal-setting. The video emphasizes the mental skills that are necessary in a training program for athletes. In the video, Olsen teams with sports psychologist Anne Ferris to discuss exercises and concepts that create the complete mental game for athletes.
"I think that the mental game is what makes technically sound athletes more competitive," said Olsen. "It gives them an edge over their competitors because they are able to focus in important situations."
The Wolfpack Tennis Camps will be personally directed by Coach Olsen. His outstanding staff of instructor's will include Collegiate Coaches, Teaching Pros and Collegiate players.