Coach Terry Peck has been at the helm of the St. Thomas tennis team for 24 years, and year after year, he keeps winning; but it’s not only tennis lessons he is sharing with his players.

Peck recorded his 500th win in collegiate tennis in 2011, and will coach his 800th match this season. Throughout his career, he has accumulated a win percentage of .720, but Peck stressed that there are more important things in life than what happens on the court.

“The most rewarding thing is providing the players with an experience they can take with them after graduation – that’s what it’s all about,” Peck said.

Peck joined the tennis staff in 1985 and spent six years as an assistant before becoming head coach of the men’s and women’s programs prior to the 1992-93 season. He has also spent time in the St. Thomas Health and Human Performance department and said one of the many similarities between coaching and teaching is staying true to your values.

“One should always stay true to your mission and core values, as a teacher and a coach,” Peck said.

Senior Brittany Alexander said Peck has been so successful because of the close relationships he builds with all the members of the team.

“He loves the program, and everything we do is fun. Coach Peck has great relationships with all of his players,” Alexander said. “He’s such a caring and genuine person. Tommie tennis has turned into a legacy, and it’s because of Coach Peck.”

One of Peck’s favorite tennis memories was his first competitive tournament as a player. He defeated several top players before falling to the No. 1 seed in the championship match.

“I just went out, played my hardest and did my best to keep the ball in play,” Peck said.

In his first year, he took both the men’s and women’s teams to the NCAA Division-III Tennis Championships, where two members of the men’s team, Andy Paley and Drew Fernelius earned All-American honors.

Last season, Peck helped Kara Lefsrud and Bridget Noack win the Intercollegiate Tennis Association tournament and earn All-American honors. Peck also said it was exhilarating to watch Shelby Henderson defeat the No. 1-ranked player in the Midwest region in a four-hour match in last year’s ITA tournament.

“It was incredible. A great win,” Peck said. “(I was) thrilled to be a part of it.”

As the 2014-2015 tennis season approaches, Peck said he is looking forward to another exciting year with men’s and women’s teams that are “young, talented and deep.”

Travis Swan can be reached at swan9954@stthomas.edu.