At Barry University, excellence in tennis has become the standard and much of that is thanks to Avi Kigel.

Now the Director of Tennis and head coach of both the men’s and women’s programs, Kigel has built one of the most dominant runs in NCAA Division II history. In 17 seasons leading the women’s team, he has compiled an extraordinary 407-30 record and captured nine NCAA Division II national championships which is the most ever by a women’s tennis coach at that level.

Kigel’s journey to the top is as powerful as his resume. He is a native of Israel and a top 10 junior player who put tennis on hold at the age of 18 to complete three years of mandatory military service. The experience was both harrowing and life changing.

After his service, Kigel earned a scholarship to Norfolk State University, where he starred on the court and earned a degree in Health and Fitness. Soon after, he returned to Barry as a young assistant coach. In 2009, he took over the women’s program. Just two years later, he delivered the school’s first women’s tennis national championship with a roster entirely made up of his recruits. Colleagues, including associate head coach Nanda Alves, credit Coach Kigel’s calm demeanor, recruiting eye, and ability to connect with players as keys to his success.

Despite opportunities at the Division I level, Kigel has remained loyal to Barry, valuing family, community, and the chance to shape young athletes both on and off the court. For Coach Kigel, championships matter, but developing people matters more. At Barry, he’s built both a dynasty and a legacy.