Completed Event: Men's Tennis versus Dartmouth Invite #1 on September 12, 2025 ,
Final
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Men's Tennis
vs Dartmouth Invite #1
Photo by: Chloe Broeker
Centenari Steps Down as Men’s Tennis Head Coach
6/30/2023 4:45:00 PM | Men's Tennis
The 2013 Dartmouth graduate spent four seasons leading the Big Green men’s tennis program
HANOVER, N.H. — The Dartmouth Athletics and Recreation Department announced on Friday that Xander Centenari has stepped down as the John Kenfield and Chuck Kinyon Head Coach of Men's Tennis.
"Dartmouth tennis has had an immeasurable impact on my life," Centenari said. "After four years as the head coach of the men's tennis team, I have decided to step down to pursue interests outside the world of coaching. I love coaching at Dartmouth, however as my fiancée and I think about our family and future, it's clear that my vision of life in my role as a college tennis coach and my vision of the lifestyle and support system for our family do not fully align."
"This community has given me so much, both as a player and a coach. Thank you to my players, their parents, the alumni, the administration and all others that have put their faith in me."
Centenari, a 2013 Dartmouth graduate and two-time captain for the Big Green, returned to his alma mater as the head coach in July 2019. He ends his tenure with an overall record of 30-29 and 2-12 in the Ivy League.
The Big Green achieved a 9-3 record in a shortened 2020 campaign, Centenari's first at the helm, and played just one match in an abbreviated 2021 season. Dartmouth went 9-12 overall and 1-6 in the Ancient Eight in 2022 before an 11-14 mark in 2023, along with another 1-6 record in conference play.
Centenari twice received All-Ivy honors in doubles (2011 and 2013) and earned an All-Ivy singles accolade in 2011 during an accomplished playing career with the Big Green. Exhibiting leadership and outstanding character as a student-athlete, Centenari was honored with the 2013 ITA Northeast Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award. He later embarked on a four-year professional career and joined the coaching staff at South Florida in 2018 before returning to Hanover.
"I have been inspired by how deeply Xander cares about Dartmouth and the students on the men's tennis team," Harrity said. "We wish him and his family our best as they begin this next chapter, and look forward to seeing Xander during visits back to his alma mater for years to come."
A national search for the program's next head coach will begin immediately.
"Dartmouth tennis has had an immeasurable impact on my life," Centenari said. "After four years as the head coach of the men's tennis team, I have decided to step down to pursue interests outside the world of coaching. I love coaching at Dartmouth, however as my fiancée and I think about our family and future, it's clear that my vision of life in my role as a college tennis coach and my vision of the lifestyle and support system for our family do not fully align."
"This community has given me so much, both as a player and a coach. Thank you to my players, their parents, the alumni, the administration and all others that have put their faith in me."
Centenari, a 2013 Dartmouth graduate and two-time captain for the Big Green, returned to his alma mater as the head coach in July 2019. He ends his tenure with an overall record of 30-29 and 2-12 in the Ivy League.
The Big Green achieved a 9-3 record in a shortened 2020 campaign, Centenari's first at the helm, and played just one match in an abbreviated 2021 season. Dartmouth went 9-12 overall and 1-6 in the Ancient Eight in 2022 before an 11-14 mark in 2023, along with another 1-6 record in conference play.
Centenari twice received All-Ivy honors in doubles (2011 and 2013) and earned an All-Ivy singles accolade in 2011 during an accomplished playing career with the Big Green. Exhibiting leadership and outstanding character as a student-athlete, Centenari was honored with the 2013 ITA Northeast Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award. He later embarked on a four-year professional career and joined the coaching staff at South Florida in 2018 before returning to Hanover.
"I have been inspired by how deeply Xander cares about Dartmouth and the students on the men's tennis team," Harrity said. "We wish him and his family our best as they begin this next chapter, and look forward to seeing Xander during visits back to his alma mater for years to come."
A national search for the program's next head coach will begin immediately.
Highlights: Dartmouth Plays of the Week, Mar. 6, 2023
Monday, March 06
Highlights: Dartmouth Plays of the Week, Feb. 20, 2023
Monday, February 20
Interview: Coach Conversation with Xander Centenari, Feb. 1, 2023
Thursday, February 02
Highlights: Dartmouth Plays of the Week, Jan. 30, 2023
Monday, January 30
