Barry's George Samuel Retires As Men's Tennis Coach
Samuel led the Buccaneer program for the last 30 years
By: Dennis Jezek | Barry Athletic Communications
MIAMI SHORES, Fla.—Dr. George Samuel, one of the winningest coaches in the history of the Buccaneer athletic program, has retired as head men's tennis coach at Barry University, it was announced today by director of athletics, Michael L. Covone.
Samuel has spent over 30 years as a guiding force for Buccaneer tennis, putting programs on the map. He compiled a 588-139 record in 30 years with the men and added a 308-122 record in 18 years with the women. He coached 58 men's tennis All-Americans and 24 more on the women's side.
"After a very difficult and long thought-out decision, I have decided to retire from coaching and teaching at Barry," Samuel said. "I have loved playing and coaching this game, and it has introduced me to many exciting people from all over the world. I have been fortunate to develop life-long relationships that I cherish each day. I have also been blessed to work with a lot of great people. I want to thank everyone who has been a part of it, especially the players and assistant coaches I have worked with through the years. It has been my privilege to be their head coach. We did a lot of great things over the 30-plus years here at Barry, and I am proud of these many accomplishments. It has been an honor to coach at such an outstanding university and athletic program and, while it is difficult to step away, I am looking forward to new beginnings."
Samuel came to The Shores in 1991 as the head coach for the women's program, while also serving as a full-time instructor in the School of Human Performance & Leisure Sciences. After one year, he took on the additional responsibility of the men's program and in 1995, for the first time, both programs earned bids to the NCAA postseason. Both programs went on to advance to the postseason under Samuel for the next 14 years.
After the 2008 season, the university split the tennis position and Samuel was able to focus all his energies and attention on the men. The division paid dividends in 2010 as the Bucs captured their first NCAA Division II National Championship after four previous trips to the finals. The Bucs have gone on to win four more championships, including wins at back-to-back tournaments in 2019 and 2021. Overall, Samuel has led the men to 12 NCAA Tournament finals, the most of any institution.
Since the programs were split in 2009, Samuel has posted a 286-38 record with the men, playing for the national title nine times and winning five. Of his five national titles, three were unblemished as the team completed the championship undefeated (2013, 2015, 2021). His five national championships are the second-most in NCAA Division II since they adopted the current dual match, single-elimination format.
For his efforts, Samuel has been honored as coach of the year by the Sunshine State Conference more than any other coach in league history: 17 times on the men's side and four more on the women's for 21 overall awards. He led the men to 16 SSC Tournament Championships and five regular season titles. He added three tournament titles with the women. The Intercollegiate Tennis Association has also bestowed regional coach of the year honors nine times, including eight with the men, and national coach of the year for men in 1999 and 2013.
Samuel has mentored many of the best and brightest in Buccaneer history, starting with three NCAA Woman of the Year Finalists in Anna Halbergson (2000), Victoria Courmes (2003) and Greta Trotman (2006).
- Christian Witt, the 2000 SSC Player of the Year, was the first Buccaneer to be named Academic All-American of the Year as well at the top athlete in his sport after winning the ITA Singles Championship in the fall of 1999.
- Thomas Hipp was the first, and so far only, male in SSC history to be recognized as both Athlete of the Year (2005-06) and Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2004-05) during his career.
- Emanuel Fraitzl is the only Buccaneer to win a team national championship and an individual title in the same calendar year (2010).
- Ahmed Triki is the only tennis player, male or female, in SSC history to earn ITA All-America status in both singles and doubles all four years. He is also one of only 10 athletes across all SSC sports to be named Player of the Year three times.
Barry will begin a national search for his replacement immediately.
Courtesy of Barry Athletic Communications