Former Viking Chen Chen '19 Promoted to Men's Tennis Head Coach

SALEM, Mass. – Salem State Athletic Director Nicolle Wood is pleased to announce that former Salem State men's tennis player and assistant coach Chen Chen '19, has been promoted to the position of head coach. "Chen was a well accomplished student-athlete and leader while at SSU, and as an assistant coach, he has done a great job with the team since former head coach Kenny Hodgkins stepped down last spring. Chen's work ethic and Viking pride, combined with his knowledge and passion for the game makes him a great fit for our program."

Chen is a former four-year member and two-time captain of the Salem State men's tennis team. He earned first and second team All-Little East Conference honors three separate times during his career. Chen captained Salem State to just their second Little East Conference Tournament Championship and fourth NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018. His 29 doubles wins currently rank second all-time in program history. A Dean's List member, he was a three-time All-Little East All-Academic selection and three-time National Scholar Athlete Day Award winner. He was inducted into the National Collegiate Athlete Honor Society in 2019. Prior to becoming head coach in 2020, Chen spent a year as an assistant coach for the Vikings during the 2019-20 season.  

"It is very exciting to be the head coach of the Salem State men's tennis team. I have inherited a group of accomplished and very talented student-athletes. I would like to thank Athletic Director Nicolle Wood for the opportunity, and promise to bring a high level of competitiveness to the program. I will work hard to help our players improve and remain focused on attaining our team goal of winning a Little East Championship."

Chen is an accounts payable specialist at Eastport Real Estate Service and currently resides in Lawrence.