Quinnipiac Athletics Mourns Passing of Mike Quitko
6/1/2022 11:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis, Women's Tennis
Bobcats’ Hall-of-Famer Served as Tennis Coach for 23 Years
Quitko – a Quinnipiac Hall of Fame selection in 2009 – was the driving force behind the regional dominance and national recognition of the University's men's and women's tennis teams during his time with the Bobcats. He coached for 23 years with the Bobcats and won 18 conference championships to go along with 526 total victories.
"Coach Q was a pioneer in our sport, and is truly one of the legends of college tennis," Quinnipiac Director of Tennis Paula Miller said. "His record of accomplishments in collegiate tennis is unparalleled. Everyone who came in to contact with him was better off for the experience – we are all better people for having known Coach Q. He was a tremendous person, a terrific coach and a joy to be around. He had great energy and passion for life that showed every day in his work."
"His legacy will continue through his many friends, players and fans, as well as the rest of the college tennis community. Coach Q was my mentor, and I can't thank him enough for his guidance during our time together at Quinnipiac. He will truly be missed by the entire QU family."
Quitko was named a conference coach of the year 15 times and led the Quinnipiac men's and women's tennis teams to 11 NCAA Division I Tournament Appearances. He pioneered three teams that would eventually make the Quinnipiac Athletics Hall of Fame: the 1993-94 women's tennis team, the 1996-97 men's team, and the 1996-97 women's team. Quitko also helped guide QU student-athletes to many conference player of the year/rookie of the year honors.
Quitko was named 2004 USA Tennis New England College Coach of the Year after leading both programs to the NCAA tournament for the first time in program history last spring. He then earned USPTA New England College Tennis Coach of the Year in 2005, after leading both the men's and women's programs back to the NCAA Tournament for a second-straight year.
In 2018, Quitko was honored with the United States Professional Tennis Association (USPTA) New England Hall of Fame Award at a ceremony in late August. The award is the highest honor given to a member of the USPTA New England Board.
To watch the video from the ceremony, CLICK HERE.
Quinnipiac Athletics offers its deepest sympathies to Quitko's entire family. Quitko's family plans to have a celebration of his life in July.
