SAN ANTONIO – University of the Incarnate Word men's tennis head coach Jonas Andersson has been with the Cardinals for three seasons.
 
In his first season, he guided the Cardinals to a Southland Conference regular season title, marking the first SLC championship in UIW Athletics department history. We caught up with Andersson to gain some insight into why he loves San Antonio, why he loves coaching, and more.
 

Jonas Andersson | Uppsala, Sweden | Men's Tennis Head Coach
 
Q: Why did you decide to become a tennis coach?
A: I started coaching tennis right after college after getting an opportunity to teach at San Antonio Country Club. It felt natural to go from playing the sport that I enjoyed for so many years to then being able to make a living doing it. I've coached tennis now for over 20 years at all different levels.
 
Q: At what age and under what circumstances did you start playing tennis?
A: I started playing tennis at the age of 5. My mother decided to put me in tennis after I got in trouble at kindergarten hitting other kids with sticks. She thought it was a better idea to hit tennis balls instead.
 
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a tennis coach?
A: Having played tennis at a high level helps me relate to my players and understand the efforts it takes to combine school and playing a sport. I love the competition and the process of helping my players prepare for matches.
 
Q: What is something the community does not know about you?
A: When I lived in California, I spent some time teaching at The Beverly Hills Hotel, giving tennis lessons to movie stars and famous musicians.
 
Q: If you weren't coaching men's tennis, what sport would you be most interested in coaching and why?
A: Probably soccer. I grew up playing soccer in Sweden and had to make the decision at 14 years of age to choose between tennis and soccer.
 
Q: You played for UIW and now you are the head coach of the men's tennis team. What does it mean to you to be back coaching at your alma mater?
A: It is amazing to have made a full circle back from playing at UIW to now coaching at the school. I have many great memories from my college years at UIW, including being their first athlete to win a NAIA National Championship in singles and doubles. UIW is an incredible community with great people, and the leadership here is so supportive of our program. That means a lot to the team.   
 
Q: What is your favorite part about the City of San Antonio?
A: After living close to the beach in Los Angeles for 16 years, I knew moving back to San Antonio would be a big change. But the transition moving to Alamo Heights was really positive for my family and for me, everything from the school district to organized sports for my kids. My favorite part is living in Alamo Heights, being ten minutes from downtown and the Pearl Brewery district, and the warm, friendly community here. We've been back for about 3.5 years, so we're definitely settled in, and it's a wonderful place to call home.
 
FOLLOW ALONG
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook.
 
The UIW men's tennis team is on Twitter at @UIWMensTennis and Instagram at @uiw_mens_tennis.