MADISON, Wisc. -- University of Denver men's tennis head coach Danny Westerman has accepted the head coaching job at the University of Wisconsin, UW Athletic Director Barry Alvarez announced Monday. Westerman returns to Madison after serving as the Pioneers' head coach the last nine seasons. Denver will begin a national search for Westerman's replacement immediately. 

"Danny has done a tremendous job elevating the men's tennis program here at the University of Denver," Associate Vice Chancellor for Sport Supervision and Internal Operations Ron Grahame said. "It's a very attractive position for him at Wisconsin and gives him a chance to return to his alma mater. We want to thank Danny for all of his hard work and dedication to the program, and wish him nothing but the best. He's a quality individual and has a quality family that can always call themselves Pioneers." 

Westerman led Denver to the NCAA tournament in each of the last three seasons, which included the school's first-ever NCAA tournament win in 2013. In nine seasons at Denver, he guided the Pioneers to a mark of 123-83-1 (.597) and a total of five NCAA tournament appearances. Westerman's teams garnered 21 All-Conference singles honors and seven doubles teams were named all-conference. Over the last three seasons, a total of 15 Pioneers took home academic all-conference honors. 

In 2015, Westerman was named ITA Mountain Region Coach of the Year after Denver's 18-9 campaign that included a perfect 5-0 conference mark and Summit League championship. The Los Angeles native guided the Pioneers to three of the four highest single-season win totals in school history, equaling the school's record with 19 wins in 2010. 

Prior to arriving at Denver, Westerman served as an assistant coach for three seasons at the University of Wisconsin. From 1998-2002, Westerman enjoyed one of the most successful playing careers in UW history. Just the fifth three-time All-Big Ten selection at UW, Westerman also claimed the prestigious Big Ten Medal of Honor in 2002. 

"I would like to thank everyone at DU, but especially Vice Chancellor Peg Bradley-Doppes and Associate Vice Chancellor Ron Grahame," Westerman said. "Denver gave me an incredible opportunity as a young head coach and I will forever be indebted to them. I would also like to thank every single Pioneer Tennis player that I coached.  It was truly my pleasure to work with all of the guys and together we achieved some amazing feats. I know the program will continue to grow to the next level and I will always be cheering on all the Pioneers from back in Wisconsin." 

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