Teddy Viator

Position: Head Coach Alma Mater: LSU, 1984

Teddy Viator enters his 22nd season overseeing the Southern Miss men's tennis program. Last season, his Golden Eagles finished 8-14, against a competitive schedule that included five nationally ranked teams. In 2007, Viator led the Golden Eagles to a 10-10 record and a tie for fifth place finish at the conference tournament. Prior to his appointment at Southern Miss, Viator spent four seasons as an assistant coach at LSU. Since coming to Southern Miss, Viator has consistently helped raise the level of play of the men's tenis program, having posted a 21-year career record of 216-221. He owns the third winningest season record in school history with an 18-6 finish in 1988. He has produced 31 all-conference selections, including seven first teamers. He coached three Conference USA Freshmen of the Year (two males and one female). The list also includes one Conference Player of the Year and an ITA All-American (female). During his first 10 seasons at Southern Miss, Viator coached both men's and women's teams. His 1997 men's team advanced to the NCAA Tournament and, in 1996, Viator had a women's player (Kati Kocsis) and a doubles' team (Kati and Susie Kocsis) compete in the 1996 NCAA Tournament. Kocsis advanced to the round 16, while the doubles' team advanced to the 16. Kati Kocsis was tabbed an ITA All-American with a final ranking of 16. The doubles' team finished with a final ranking of 26. Viator, a four-year standout at LSU, was selected All-Southeastern Conference and a Nike All-American in 1984. He also was named the LSU Male Athlete of the Year in 1984. He still holds the distinction of being the only LSU tennis player to post at least 20 wins a season during his four-year career. He also still ranks among the all-time victory leaders in the school's history. He received his bachelor's degree in accounting. After his playing days ended, Viator spent two seasons (1984-85) as a student assistant coach and the next two years as a full-time assistant, responsible for recruiting, practice, and maintenance of the tennis strength and conditioning program. Viator, a Jeanerette, La., native, attended St. Joseph High School, where he was a four-year letterwinner in basketball, track and tennis. He won three consecutive state high school championships in singles. Also a top performer in the classroom, he graduated as class salutatorian. Viator is also active in the local tennis circuit, giving private lessons and tutoring many of the up-and-coming local tennis stars. Viator is married to the former Kay Smith. They are the proud parents of twins (Audrey Blair and Joseph Parker).