David Thornton
Assistant Coach

One of the integral parts of the Commodores' success since the summer of 2000 can be attributed to the efforts of assistant coach David Thornton. Thornton, who joined the Vanderbilt coaching staff that summer, has spent countless hours giving individual attention to players and helping them improve to new heights.

Prior to joining the Commodore staff, Thornton was the head coach of Middle Tennessee State's women's tennis program. During his tenure, he led the Blue Raiders to four Ohio Valley Conference championships in six years and was the OVC "Coach of the Year" in 1996, 1997 and 2000.

"David is one of the best young coaches in the country," head coach Geoff Macdonald said. "It is a tremendous coup for Vanderbilt to have him on our staff. He has a good tactical mind and he brings lot of energy with him."

During the 2000 season, MTSU was 21-8 and ranked 47th nationally, the highest national ranking ever for the program. Thornton earned an ITA Regional Coach of the Year nomination for his efforts during the 2000 season.

Thornton graduated from MTSU in 1993 and was a club professional and assistant men's coach at MTSU prior to becoming the head women's coach.

He also has a master's degree from MTSU.

Thornton competed professionally in Europe for three years in the early 1990s. As a native of Galway, Ireland, he represented Ireland as a junior at various age levels and received an ITF Junior world ranking.

He has been active in the Junior Development Program in Murfreesboro and directed USTA junior state qualifying tournaments for five years.

Thornton is married to the former Michelle Wilson.