SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Scott Keaton was recently hired as an assistant coach for the Santa Clara women's tennis program.

An accomplished player, Keaton played collegiately at both New Mexico State and George Mason, and has served as a teaching pro.

"We're really happy to have Scott in this position as part of our plan for growth of the program and he's going to fill the role very nicely," said head coach Ben Cabell. "He's off to a great start and it's going to be a huge advantage for us this season to have him."

Keaton, who joined the Santa Clara program earlier this fall, graduated from George Mason in May 2014, with a bachelor of arts in economics and Chinese language.

"I'm thrilled to join the Santa Clara Bronco program," Keaton said. "It's a great opportunity that I've been afforded to have. I'm really looking forward in helping with the development and growth of the team going forward this year and hoping to achieve the results that we're looking for."

He competed two seasons at George Mason, compiling a 17-5 singles mark as a junior in 2011-12, and winning 14 singles and 17 doubles matches as a senior. He was a member of the Dean's list three semesters with the Patriots.

"I'm only a couple years out of college so I feel like I can relate to some of these kids and what they're going through now and how the college environment – the tennis environment is, present day," Keaton said. "Hopefully, I'll have some wisdom that I can pass on to them as well."

A native of New Braunfels, Texas, Keaton was the 2009 5A state mixed doubles champion helping New Braunfels High School to the state championship team title that season.

He spent his first years of college with the nationally-ranked New Mexico State program. With the Aggies, Keaton was also on the NCAA Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Keaton has worked as a tennis instructor and professional at various academies and clubs, most recently serving as a teaching pro at the MAC 360 Academy in Austin, Texas, beginning in February, 2015.