MADISON, Wis. — Marek Michalicka, an All-Big Ten Badger during his collegiate career, has returned home to Madison as the newest assistant coach for the Wisconsin women’s tennis staff, head coach Kelcy McKenna announced on Friday.
Michalicka (pronounced Mee-sha-lee-ka) most recently served as a volunteer assistant coach for the University of Michigan men’s tennis team. He also spent two years as an assistant at Oklahoma State.
“We are ecstatic to have Marek join our coaching staff here at Wisconsin,” McKenna said. “As a one of the most successful men’s players in Badgers history, Marek has a deep understanding of how to be great at the highest levels of collegiate and professional tennis. His work ethic, diligence and support of student-athletes will continue to build on the foundation of our program. It’s wonderful to welcome Marek, his wife, Vanessa, and their daughter, Amelia, back home to Madison!”
A Czech Republic native, Michalicka played tennis professionally from 2011-2016 and compiled 251 professional victories across both the ITF Futures and Challenger Tour. He won 11 ITF Futures singles titles during his playing career. Michalicka won the Czech National Indoor Tennis Championship in 2016 and reached a career high ranking of 235 ATP in singles, ranked No. 7 in the Czech Republic.
A three-time All-Big Ten selection and two-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree at Wisconsin, Michalicka is one of the most successful and decorated Badgers of all time. A three-time participant in the NCAA singles championship, Michalicka compiled 97 singles wins and 86 victories in doubles play. His 97-35 record in singles play ranks as the second highest winning percentage in Wisconsin history.
“I feel very fortunate to be joining the coaching staff at one of the best athletic programs in the country,” Michalicka said. “As a former Badger, Wisconsin has always had a special place in my heart. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Coach McKenna and I am excited to contribute to the ongoing success of the Wisconsin women’s tennis team.”
Michalicka, a native of Ricany, Czech Republic, earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin in 2011.
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