Bates joins the Tiger program after a 31-year banking career, most recently with Branch Banking and Trust Company (BB&T) in Farmville, VA.  A Richmond, VA, native, Bates is a former club professional and played collegiate tennis at Ferrum College and West Chester State College prior to graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

“I am looking forward to being associated with Hampden-Sydney College and the tennis program as both have a long standing and proud tradition,” said Bates. “Along with coach (Chris) Krieg, we are looking forward to increasing the focus on tennis at the College and to producing winning seasons while building good men and recruiting talented student-athletes.” 

Bates inherits a Tiger tennis team that finished with a 10-9 overall record and 5-3 mark in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference in 2006.  He will be joined on the coaching staff by Chris Krieg who joined the Tiger football program as an offensive assistant coach in May.  Longtime volunteer assistant coach, Bill Thompson, will remain affiliated with the tennis program and continue to serve in his same capacities.   

Bates and his wife, Pinky, reside in Charlotte Court House, VA.