BOSTON – Scott Blanchard, the head coach of Suffolk volleyball, has been appointed the Interim Head Coach of men's tennis for the 2022 spring season, Director of Athletics Cary McConnell announced Thursday afternoon. 

"I am looking forward to this opportunity," Blancahrd said. "I've met with the players and they seem like a nice group of student-athletes that are ready to get going."  

Blanchard continued, "It's kind of funny how everything comes around. I was a tennis player in high school, and after my ankle surgery, it was working with the volleyball team that got my foot back in shape for my senior season of tennis. I have been coaching volleyball for 35-plus years and now I'm a tennis coach also!"

Blanchard came to Suffolk in 2018 where he started to shape the Rams' volleyball program into the success it is today. Through four years, three full seasons, he has guided the blue-and-gold to multiple accolades and record book finishes. One of the biggest squad accomplishments was in 2019 when he led the team to winningest status in the annals with a 20-12 record. That same season, Suffolk went on to win its first-ever home playoff contest and reach the conference semifinals for just the second time in program history. 

Not only has Blanchard's volleyball teams come together for triumphs, but individual honors have flooded in for student-athletes as well. Six student-athletes have picked up all-league nods, two achieved all-tournament team distinction and three garnered all-region status. The all-region honorees were a first for the program. 

Accolades have not been limited to the athletic nature, but have trickled into the classroom as well, which encompasses the true mission of Suffolk Athletics, Rams learn to compete effectively and with integrity in any setting.  

Blanchard, who has 20-plus years of experience as a collegiate coach, looks to take that determination to the court this spring as he takes over the squad from Steve Counihan, who retired this winter after serving Suffolk for over a decade in the same role. The switch in leadership comes the same season that Suffolk will compete in the Commonwealth Coast Conference (CCC) for the first time.