Slug Roots Run Deep

Dear Slug Family and Friends,

I remember my first visit to UC Santa Cruz, during my senior year of high school. I was travelling up and down the coast visiting schools and tennis programs with my mom and wrapped up my last college visit with intentions of meeting and hopefully impressing, coach Bob Hansen.

At 6:00 am on a Monday morning, I drove up to the east field house and met with Bob. Coffee cup in hand, we walked to the racquetball courts to check out one of his teams’ infamous morning workouts. As he began to talk to me about the history and some of the success stories behind “Slug Tennis,” I saw immediately what made this program special. As we sat and chatted, I watched players of his team engage in a training session with a kind of intensity that I had never seen before. What struck me even more was the fact that they were doing so amidst jokes, smiles, and laughter. They were actually enjoying what they were doing and pushing each other in a way that was remarkable to see. Guys like Brian Casey, Thomas Oechel, Danny Kim, and Nick Cunningham were all showing me what it meant to be a Slug. That day ended with a slap on the butt from Bob as he called me a “hoss.” I was sold.

I have seen Bob Hansen positively affect the lives of more people over the past ten years than I could possibly count. His ability to see the potential in every person he comes across along with the commitment to make that his focus is why he is able to work his magic. He does this with the utmost level of patience and the understanding that change isn’t easy and can only happen in an environment of support and nourishment. For the past 32 years, Bob has been the conductor behind what we all have come to know as “Slug Tennis,” a program where embracing the journey en route to a national championship overrides the winning of that national championship itself. A place where “team” and “family” aren’t just words but more of a daily practice, and where putting aside ones personal aspirations in order to contribute to the common goal is the number one priority. It is here where learning to be comfortable with the uncomfortable is the routine. This is the program of gratitude, integrity, and most of all no regrets.

I believe whole-heartedly in the Slug Tennis program and the profound impact it has on people. This is why I have chosen to take over as the new Head Men’s Tennis Coach at UC Santa Cruz. I want to continue contributing to Slug Tennis, and to share all that Bob and Slug Tennis have taught me. Having been a part of four championship teams, one as a player, and three as a coach, I am exceptionally thrilled with the goal of winning a national championship. At the same time, I also understand that winning a championship is merely the byproduct of so much more, and not every year will end with a trophy in hand. To get to work with these young men, day in and day out and share in their experiences as student-athletes, is an incredibly exciting prospect, and one that I anticipate.

This leaves me here speaking to you with admiration and appreciation because you are Slug Tennis. You are the Slug family. The richness of this program lies not only in its numbers but in the quality of its connections, unbreakable by time, distance, or generations. I am thrilled to be entering this journey with all of you at my side and commit to doing the very best job I possibly can. Thank you so much for your support and let’s keep this Slug train rolling!

Sincerely,

Coach Bryce “Bird” Parmelly

Big news in Slugville!

Dear Slug Tennis Family and Fans,

Big news on the Slug Tennis front! I will be taking the job at Middlebury College starting in the Fall and if all goes as planned, Slug superstar Bryce “Bird” Parmelly will be taking over the reins of the Slug Tennis program. He will be leading an amazing group that will continue the incredible history of success that we have all become accustomed to. I have had the pleasure of watching this current group mature into the championship level team that Bird is excited and thrilled to lead. I could not have considered this new challenge had Bird not been both ready and willing to take over. He is clearly both....

I was certainly not looking for a new job, as the last time that I applied for a position was more than 25 years ago. When asked to look more closely at the Middlebury position, I was impressed on many levels with the institutional support for athletics, their understanding of the role of athletics as part of the academic mission, and the amazing quality of coaches and administrators in the athletic department. The Middlebury offer was amazing and due to financial challenges, UC Santa Cruz was unable to compete with the offer.

My ride as the coach of the magical Slug Tennis Program has been a complete joy from day one and I leave with nothing but great memories and a full and appreciative heart. When I think back to the start of the program and it’s growth and development into one of the finest athletic teams on any level, I am thrilled from head to toe! The most incredible part of the experience has to be the multitude of relationships with all the players, families and friends of the program. I cannot begin to thank all of those responsible for helping me create the job I was meant to do! Against a very challenging backdrop, the devotion of our players and the generosity of our families and supporters carried us to amazing personal growth and corresponding success. I could not be more proud of the incredible courage and character demonstrated by our amazing athletes in their quest for personal and team excellence. They became the standard of Division III tennis, winning an unprecedented 34 National Championships and forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

I am a bit overwhelmed with the change. Equally nostalgic and excited at the same time with all of the possibilities. Currently, I am running the Santa Cruz NIKE Tennis Camp which has and will continue to be another big part of my life. Word of these changes has been slowly getting out and I apologize for being slow in making this more formal announcement. I would like to thank each and every one responsible for this amazing ride with Slug Tennis but the list would take more time than I have. I want everyone associated with the Slug Tennis family to know that our relationship continues regardless of the name on my jersey going forward. I will follow this current Slug group on each step of their journey and will forever be tied to the amazing group of people which make up this rare breed called Slugs.

I sincerely hope that you will continue to support the wonderful mission of Slug Tennis. The University is going through extremely challenging times and will need your help and support to continue on the path of excellence that has characterized this program. I will do my best to respond to any questions, concerns or well wishes but please know that I am super busy with camp and getting up to speed on my new job so your patience is greatly appreciated. I am extremely excited about the many amazing possibilities of this new adventure but also painfully aware of the many friends and family that will be at greater distance.

Thanks again for all your help, support, love and concern. New coach Bryce “Bird” Parmelly can be reached at Bryce.Parmelly@gmail.com

Sincerely,
Coach Hansen