Hampton University Athletics

John Atiomo is entering his second full season as head coach of the Hampton University men’s and women’s tennis programs, after serving as interim head coach for his alma mater for the 2012 season.

The Pirates and Lady Pirates both advanced to the MEAC Championships in 2012 under Atiomo; the Pirates went 6-9 overall with a 3-1 mark in the MEAC Northern Division, while the Lady Pirates were 7-8 overall with a 4-1 mark in conference play.

Atiomo was on the 1989 Pirates squad that won the NCAA Division II national championship under legendary coach Dr. Robert Screen. He received his Bachelor’s degree in comprehensive art from Hampton in 1993, before earning a Master’s in education in 1996.

From 1994-2011, Atiomo served as a graduate assistant under Dr. Screen, while also serving as head boys and girls tennis coach at Heritage High School in Newport News, Va. from 1996-2008. He also served as head youth tennis instructor at the Dori Miller Community Center in Newport News from 1995-96.

Since 1996, Atiomo has also served as Residence Hall Director for Hampton University.

During his collegiate days, Atiomo was also part of Nigeria’s Davis Cup team in 1987 and 1988. In 1987, he competed as a member of the Nigerian contingent in the All-Africa Games in Nairobi, Kenya.

Atiomo, a native of Benin City, Nigeria, was ranked in the top three in Nigeria and the top 10 in Africa in 1988.