Justin DeSanto begins his fifth year with the men's tennis team for the 2020-21 season as the assistant to fifth-year head coach Danny Bryan.
DeSanto helped guide the Shockers during a shortened 2019-20 season that saw the team compile a stellar doubles record of 26-15 in the dual season. The team picked up only it's third win versus an SEC school since 1988 when the downed Arkansas, 4-3, and nearly got it's first Top-25 win since 1984 when they lost to No. 16 Tennessee, 4-3.
Known for his knack in international recruiting, DeSanto has evolved as an elite assistant coach during his three years at Wichita State. DeSanto helped guide the Shockers to a 16-win season in
2018-19, including a season-high team ranking of No. 39 - the second highest ranking in over 30 years for the Shockers. DeSanto was instrumental in the stellar play of standout juniors Murkel Dellien and Marius Frosa. The duo, who ended the season with a 11-2 record and five ranked wins, became just the second duo to reach the quarterfinals of the NCAA Doubles Championships while earning All-American status.
During the season, eight student-athletes were named to the Athletic Director's Honor Roll in the fall, while seven earned honors in the spring. The men's team finished with a 3.44 GPA, making the ITA All-Academic team for the third-straight season.
DeSanto helped lead the Shockers to a 14-10 dual match record in
2017-18, behind a deep junior class. A native of Pittston, Pa., DeSanto has made an instant impact for the Shockers. He has helped guide WSU to two Pacific Invite titles in his first two seasons and the Rice Invite title in March of 2018.
DeSanto played a key role in the success of doubles pair Marius Frosa and Murkel Dellien, who advanced to the Round of 16 of the 2017 ITA All-American Championship and reached the main draw as an at-large for the first time in over 25 years.
In addition, WSU student-athletes have performed well in the classroom, coaching four ITA Scholar-Athletes as well as both teams being named to the ITA All-Academic team, with a grade point average of 3.20 or higher.
In 2018, DeSanto helped lead the Shockers to wins over SMU for the first time in school history and Tulsa, the first over the Golden Hurricane since 1991.
DeSanto was previously the assistant coach for both the men's and women's tennis team at Williams College, a Division III university in Williamstown, Mass. During his time at Williams, the women's team had the first undefeated season in program history on their way to a National Championship in 2015. The Ephs were also runner-ups in 2016, and won two New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) titles. The men's team finished ranked ninth in the country last season, with three victories over top ten ranked programs. The men's team also was NESCAC runner-ups in 2015.
DeSanto also has previous experience as an assistant coach at Yale University and Marywood University. During his season at Yale, the Bulldogs finished second in the Ivy League, reached a national ranking of 33, and had two All-Ivy League first team singles player honors. At Marywood, the Pacers captured their first Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) title in the past 10 years, and also had their first NCAA appearance in that same span.
DeSanto was also involved in recruiting efforts, player development, social media content and community engagement at his three schools. While at Williams College, DeSanto helped recruit five recruits ranked in the top 100 according to tennisrecruiting.net.
DeSanto also was a head coach at Wyoming Area High School at 19 years old, while still attending college.
DeSanto graduated from Wilkes University in 2012 with bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Spanish.
Testimonials
"Justin has earned the reputation of being one of the hardest working coaches in the game. He has had success everywhere he has been. I'm excited to have him join our program, he is going to have a huge impact." --
Danny Bryan, WSU head coach
"Without a doubt, Wichita State is getting a great coach in Justin DeSanto. Justin's passion for the game and for mentoring young people is as high as it gets, and he will bring a work ethic and level of integrity to the Shocker program that is above reproach. I look forward to watching Justin help coach Bryan build the program to new heights." --
Ryan Sachire, Notre Dame men's tennis head coach
"In Justin's two years at Williams College, he contributed in every aspect of our tennis program from recruiting, to on-court coaching, and daily logistics. He consistently demonstrated his keen sense of the game and helped our program to its first undefeated season and 9th NCAA National Team Championship. Justin will bring a tremendous work ethic, a love of tennis, and an eagerness to both contribute and learn from the Wichita State tennis program and
Danny Bryan. We will certainly miss Justin at Williams, but I'm excited to see him taking the next step in his coaching career and having the opportunity to be part of a such an exciting and successful program." --
Alison Swain, Williams College head women's tennis coach
