McKendree University Athletics

McKendree University men's and women's tennis head coach René Vidal has announced the addition of Juan Calero Alonso as a volunteer assistant coach for the Bearcat tennis programs. 

"We are excited to add Juan as a member of our coaching staff," Vidal said. "Our men's and women's tennis programs will benefit greatly from Coach Alonso's commitment to collegiate coaching, excellent communication skills, strong playing background and passion to win."

Alonso was born and raised in Spain and grew up playing tennis at the highest level and practicing full time at Juan Carlos Ferrero Equelite Tennis Academy. At the Juan Carlos Ferrero Equelite Tennis Academy, Alonso competed in regional, national and ITF events before moving to the United States for college at the Saint Louis University.

At St. Louis University, Alonso lettered for the Billikins from 2014-18 and in his four-year career, he closed his SLU career 10th in school history in doubles wins with 40 and 15th on the school's all-time list for singles wins with 38. 

As a senior in 2017-18, he posted a 7-10 record in singles and a 7-5 mark in doubles for an overall record of 14-16 and is .583 winning percentage in doubles was third-best on the team. 

Earned Second-Team All-Atlantic 10 honors as a junior in 2016-17 after posting a 10-11 record in singles and a 15-5 mark in doubles for an overall record of 25-16. The 15 doubles wins were a career high for Alonso and tied for 16th on the Billikins' single season list for doubles wins. 

Tied for third on the team in total wins with 24 and overall winning percentage of .585 (24-17) as a sophomore in 2015-16. Went 12-7 in doubles and that .632 winning percentage led the team, while his 12 doubles wins were tied for the team lead. 

During his freshman season in 2014-15, Alonso won 15 matches as the 15 wins were tied second on the team in overall wins. He also earned 11 dual-meet wins and nine singles wins. 

In the classroom during his SLU career, Alonso was a two-time member of the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll and was an ITA Scholar-Athlete selection as a junior in 2016-17. 

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from SLU in 2018 and received his master's degree in Athletic Training from SLU in 2019. 

Alonso is a PTR certified professional and has worked full time as a private tennis coach for the last couple of years in the St. Louis area, including spending the past 16 months as a tennis coach at Woodsmill Tennis Club. Additionally, he has also provided athletic training services at St. Louis University, Harris Stowe State University and the Spanish Olympic Wrestling Team.