DES MOINES, Iowa - Davidson Kozlowski, an assistant coach the last seven seasons at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has been named head men's tennis coach at Drake University, associate athletic director Brian Brown announced on Thursday (Sept. 6).

The Blazers concluded the 2011 season with a 17-9 overall record, their highest-victory total since posting 19 wins in 2000.  UAB rose to as high as No. 59 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) ranking before concluding the campaign at No. 75.

During his tenure in Birmingham, Ala., Kozlowski spearheaded recruiting, assisted with team travel and budget management, and coordinated fundraising and community outreach.

"We were really impressed with Davidson throughout the search process as his coaching and recruiting philosophies are ones that promise to be a great fit for the Drake Men's Tennis program," Brown commented.  "Davidson has had much success in his coaching and professional career and I am confident that we have the right coach to lead our program to the next level.   We are excited about the direction of our program under his leadership."

"This is a very exciting time in my coaching career to be given the opportunity to take over a proven and highly-respected program like Drake," said Kozlowski.  "I am very eager to continue the legacy that Roger Knapp and his family have established at Drake.  It will be even more meaningful since I personally had a chance to get to know Roger while training with him when he lived in Sarasota, Fla.  My wife Jennifer, our three children and I eagerly look forward to becoming part of the Drake University family."

Kozlowski, 36, came to UAB after spending three years as the Director of Tennis at Birchtree Swim and Racquet Club, a position he continued to hold until his appointment at Drake.

A native of Sarasota, Fla., Kozlowski played collegiate tennis at Auburn (1994-96) before transferring to Florida State for his final two seasons (1997-99). While competing for the Seminoles, Kozlowski was a regular in the FSU lineup both of his years in Tallahassee and played No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles.

Following graduation from Florida State, Kozlowski played on the Futures and Challenger Circuit from 1999-2002.

He earned a bachelor's degree in social science from Florida State in 1999.

Kozlowski and his wife, Jennifer, have three children: Alex, Anya and Chase.