GAINESVILLE, Florida – The University of Florida’s women’s tennis program is entering a promising new era with the appointment of head coach Per Nilsson. With an impressive coaching record at Pepperdine, where he captured every West Coast Conference title over the past 10 seasons and led the team to the NCAA finals in 2021, Nilsson is expected to bring the Gators back to the top of collegiate tennis.
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Per Nilsson’s Path to Success
Nilsson, with a coaching career spanning over 30 years, averaged 22.5 wins per season with Pepperdine’s women’s team, leading them to seven NCAA quarterfinals and two semifinals. Known for his philosophy focused on player development and maximizing potential, Nilsson helped his team compete against powerhouse programs like Stanford, USC, and UCLA. Under his leadership, the Pepperdine Waves became a force in NCAA women’s tennis, consistently outperforming expectations and achieving remarkable milestones.
Nilsson, 52, originally from Lund, Sweden, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role at Florida: “I love the pressure of competition. To win, you have to surround yourself with people who are as driven to win as you are, and the fans in Florida expect that. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and bringing this team to great success.” With a career record of 306-124, Nilsson is well-positioned to meet these high expectations.
A Legacy of Excellence and New Expectations at Florida
Florida boasts one of the richest traditions in women’s tennis, with seven national championships and 24 SEC titles. Since transitioning from AIAW to NCAA in 1981, the program has been led by just two legendary coaches: Andy Brandi, who secured three national championships in 17 years, and Roland Thornqvist, who won four NCAA titles over 23 years before stepping down earlier this year. Now, Nilsson takes the reins with the task of continuing this legacy and guiding the Gators back to the forefront of college tennis.
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Athletic director Scott Stricklin expressed his enthusiasm for the hiring: “We are thrilled to welcome an experienced and passionate coach like Per. He has the ability to help our student-athletes reach their full potential on and off the court. We believe he will lead the Gators back to greatness.” With a history of player-centered development and a commitment to excellence, Nilsson is seen as an ideal fit for Florida’s high standards.
Dedication to the Sport and Commitment to Success
Nilsson is not only an exceptional coach but also someone who builds strong relationships with his players, inspiring dedication and hard work. Former UF star Lauren Embree, a two-time national champion and UF Hall-of-Famer, worked with Nilsson as an assistant coach at Pepperdine. She spoke highly of Nilsson, stating, “He’s not only a great coach but also one of the best people I’ve ever met. The players love him and give their all for him.” Her endorsement reflects Nilsson’s ability to connect with his team, build trust, and inspire his athletes to push beyond their limits.
A Fresh Start for the Gators
Nilsson’s coaching experience will be a valuable asset as he takes charge of a team that went 17-9 last season and qualified for the NCAA tournament as the 15th seed. Though the team was knocked out in the second round, Nilsson sees tremendous potential in this roster, which returns five key players. The timing of Nilsson’s arrival poses a unique challenge, as he joins mid-season, but his focus will be on integrating with the team quickly and gaining their trust.
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Nilsson’s first opportunity to work with the team will be at the ITA Fall National Championships in San Diego from November 7-10. He acknowledges the challenge of joining mid-season, saying, “The challenge will be arriving halfway through the fall season and trying to connect with the team and earn their trust. They may be a bit cautious at first, but we’ll make it work. This is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Embracing New Opportunities
Leaving behind the idyllic setting of Malibu, California, Nilsson and his family—wife Beth, originally from St. Augustine, Florida, and their six-year-old son Reef—have made the decision to relocate for this exciting new chapter. “Honestly, I thought I would stay [at Pepperdine] and retire there. It’s been a great place for us,” Nilsson said. “But with Florida’s tradition and everything else, we had to sit down and decide what was best for all of us. Career-wise, this is a big step forward, and I’m thrilled about it.”
For the Gators, Nilsson’s arrival represents an exciting new chapter with the potential to return Florida women’s tennis to national prominence. Known for his work ethic, competitive spirit, and commitment to player growth, Nilsson brings a winning formula to a program with championship aspirations. As the Gators look to break their SEC title drought and once again compete for national championships, fans and players alike can be excited about the impact Nilsson is set to make.
With his extensive experience, dedication to developing student-athletes, and unyielding passion for the sport, Nilsson appears ready to continue the Gators’ legacy and guide them back to the peak of college tennis.
