VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova University Vice President & Director of Athletics Eric Roedl today announced the appointment of Eduardo Ugalde as the Wildcats' head men's tennis coach. Ugalde's first day is expected to be Monday, July 6.
Ugalde comes to Villanova after serving as interim head coach at Yale University for the past two years, where he guided the Bulldogs to one of the most successful campaigns in program history.
"Eduardo has demonstrated an outstanding ability to develop student-athletes, build winning programs and lead with integrity," said Roedl. "His experience at some of the nation's premier institutions, combined with his passion for mentoring young people, makes him an excellent fit for Villanova. We are excited to welcome Eduardo and look forward to the future of our men's tennis program under his leadership."
"I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Villanova men's tennis program," Ugalde said. "Villanova's commitment to excellence in academics, athletics and personal development aligns perfectly with my values. I want to thank Eric Roedl, Brian Murray and everyone involved in the search process for their confidence in me. I look forward to building meaningful relationships with our student-athletes, alumni and supporters while competing for championships and representing Villanova with pride."
During the 2025-26 season, Ugalde led Yale to a historic campaign that culminated in the Bulldogs earning an at-large berth to the NCAA Tournament which was the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1977. Yale finished with 16 victories, its highest win total since the 2016-17 season, and climbed to No. 45 in the final Intercollegiate Tennis Association national rankings.
Under Ugalde's leadership, Vignesh Gogineni concluded the season ranked No. 25 nationally in singles after making his second consecutive appearance at the NCAA Individual Championships. Gogineni earned First Team All-Ivy League honors in singles and teamed with Edward Liao to garner First Team All-Ivy recognition in doubles. Liao also received Second Team All-Ivy honors in singles.
Ugalde joined Yale as an assistant coach in the summer of 2021 before being elevated to interim head coach in May 2025. During his tenure, he helped the Bulldogs establish themselves among the Ivy League's top programs while developing nationally ranked student-athletes.
Prior to Yale, Ugalde spent the 2020-21 season as a volunteer assistant coach at Duke University, helping the Blue Devils earn an NCAA Tournament berth, finish No. 36 in the final Oracle/ITA national rankings and advance a doubles team to the NCAA Doubles Championship.
He also served as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama during the 2018-19 season, helping the Crimson Tide post 16 victories and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.
Ugalde previously gained head coaching experience at the University of Texas Permian Basin, where he directed both the men's and women's tennis programs.
While earning a master's degree in sport management, Ugalde served as a graduate assistant coach for the men's and women's tennis teams at Jacksonville State University from 2017-18. During his tenure, both programs achieved the highest national rankings in school history.
A native of Queretaro, Mexico, Ugalde earned his bachelor's degree in business administration with a minor in accounting from North Carolina Wesleyan College in 2016. A four-year letterwinner, he helped lead the Battling Bishops to four USA South Conference championships and four NCAA Tournament appearances.
