Drexel University Athletics
Drexel Director of Tennis and Men’s Tennis Coach Mehdi Rhazali Resigns After 15 Seasons
4/23/2026 7:20:00 PM | Men's Tennis
PHILADELPHIA – Drexel University Director of Tennis and Head Men's Tennis Coach Mehdi Rhazali has decided to step away from collegiate coaching to pursue business ventures outside of collegiate athletics. Rhazali has led the Dragons for the last 15 seasons, ending his tenure as the winningest coach in the history of the program, accruing over 240 victories between both the men's and women's program.
"The news of Mehdi's resignation is bittersweet," said Maisha Kelly, Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreation. "His impact on the tennis programs, the department, and the University has been invaluable. As a proud alum, Mehdi's journey exemplifies what we strive for in our student-athletes: excellence in competition, intellectual growth, personal development, and a commitment to positively impacting their community. In his role as Director of Tennis, Mehdi achieved this and more, transforming the programs into ones defined by competitive success, strong character, and a deeply bonded community. He leaves Drexel better than he found it, and we are all better for having worked alongside him. We wish Mehdi and his family continued success and happiness in this next chapter."
Rhazali, a Drexel Alumnus in 2011, earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing and then went on to achieve a master's degree in sport management in 2014 and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and innovative management in 2023. Prior to coaching, Rhazali played on the team from 2008-2011 and was named a team captain during his senior campaign. Following graduation, Rhazali immediately became involved with coaching the team, being named an assistant coach for the 2011-12 season. In October of 2011, Rhazali was named the interim head coach.
"Drexel has been more than just a place I worked—it's where my journey truly began," Rhazali said. "I came here as a student-athlete, grew into a coach and leader, and had the privilege of impacting so many dedicated young men and women along the way. This is also where I met my wife, built lifelong relationships and found a community that shaped who I am today. To give back to the same program that gave me so much has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I leave with immense pride, deep gratitude and a lifelong connection to Drexel that will never fade."
Rhazali had his interim tag removed in the 2012-13 season and was named the head men's and women's tennis coach. Immediately, Rhazali elevated Drexel Tennis to new heights, helping the men's team earn 18 All-CAA players. Rhazali also helped the men's tennis team in the classroom, producing 23 ITA Scholar-Athlete's, 10 CSC Academic All-District athletes and one CSC Academic All-American. Rhazali coached multiple ITA-ranked student-athletes, including Alan Jesudason and Alex De Sousa, who ranked 70th as a pair. He also helped the program rank eighth in the northeast region during the 2023-24 season. This past season, the team climbed as high as 69th on the ITA Collegiate Tennis Rankings.
Rhazali coached the women's team for seven seasons, ending his time overseeing the program after the 2019 spring season. In that time for the program, Rhazali pieced together the highest winning percentage in program history, finishing with a record of 91-47 (.659). During his time, he helped three student-athletes earn ITA national rankings, including the No. 18 ranked player, Honami Yazawa. He also coached nine student-athletes who earned All-CAA accolades, five athletes who were named Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area and 22 ITA Scholar-Athletes.
A national search for Drexel's next men's tennis coach is underway.
"The news of Mehdi's resignation is bittersweet," said Maisha Kelly, Vice President, Director of Athletics & Recreation. "His impact on the tennis programs, the department, and the University has been invaluable. As a proud alum, Mehdi's journey exemplifies what we strive for in our student-athletes: excellence in competition, intellectual growth, personal development, and a commitment to positively impacting their community. In his role as Director of Tennis, Mehdi achieved this and more, transforming the programs into ones defined by competitive success, strong character, and a deeply bonded community. He leaves Drexel better than he found it, and we are all better for having worked alongside him. We wish Mehdi and his family continued success and happiness in this next chapter."
Rhazali, a Drexel Alumnus in 2011, earned a bachelor's degree in business administration and marketing and then went on to achieve a master's degree in sport management in 2014 and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and innovative management in 2023. Prior to coaching, Rhazali played on the team from 2008-2011 and was named a team captain during his senior campaign. Following graduation, Rhazali immediately became involved with coaching the team, being named an assistant coach for the 2011-12 season. In October of 2011, Rhazali was named the interim head coach.
"Drexel has been more than just a place I worked—it's where my journey truly began," Rhazali said. "I came here as a student-athlete, grew into a coach and leader, and had the privilege of impacting so many dedicated young men and women along the way. This is also where I met my wife, built lifelong relationships and found a community that shaped who I am today. To give back to the same program that gave me so much has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I leave with immense pride, deep gratitude and a lifelong connection to Drexel that will never fade."
Rhazali had his interim tag removed in the 2012-13 season and was named the head men's and women's tennis coach. Immediately, Rhazali elevated Drexel Tennis to new heights, helping the men's team earn 18 All-CAA players. Rhazali also helped the men's tennis team in the classroom, producing 23 ITA Scholar-Athlete's, 10 CSC Academic All-District athletes and one CSC Academic All-American. Rhazali coached multiple ITA-ranked student-athletes, including Alan Jesudason and Alex De Sousa, who ranked 70th as a pair. He also helped the program rank eighth in the northeast region during the 2023-24 season. This past season, the team climbed as high as 69th on the ITA Collegiate Tennis Rankings.
Rhazali coached the women's team for seven seasons, ending his time overseeing the program after the 2019 spring season. In that time for the program, Rhazali pieced together the highest winning percentage in program history, finishing with a record of 91-47 (.659). During his time, he helped three student-athletes earn ITA national rankings, including the No. 18 ranked player, Honami Yazawa. He also coached nine student-athletes who earned All-CAA accolades, five athletes who were named Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area and 22 ITA Scholar-Athletes.
A national search for Drexel's next men's tennis coach is underway.
Players Mentioned
/ Men's Tennis
/ Men's Tennis
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