Now in his fifth season as the head coach of the Roanoke College women’s tennis team, Scott Gibson has brought the program to heights not seen for quite some time. In just two seasons, Gibson has improved the team’s finish at the Old Dominion Athletic Conference championships from 10th to fourth. Roanoke’s fourth place finish at the 2000 ODAC championships was its highest placing since taking fourth in 1994. For his efforts in guiding the team to unexpected heights in 2000, Gibson was named the ODAC Coach of the Year, the first Roanoke women’s tennis coach to earn the honor.

Gibson’s coaching style stresses the importance of team unity, conditioning, and discipline. While putting a strong emphasis on team unity, Gibson does not believe in any one player ‘owning’ a particular spot in the lineup. With this philosophy, Gibson creates great competition among the players, making each player improve her game. Each player in the Roanoke program has her own conditioning and nutrition routine. Conforming to these programs allows each player on the team to excel both on the court and in the academic circle at the same time.

After graduating from Salem High School, where he helped the team to two district championships, two regional championships, and two state runner-ups, Gibson enlisted in the United State Navy. In his time in the service, Gibson earned two Accommodation Medals and served the country in Operation Desert Storm. After earning an Honorable Discharge from the Navy, Gibson returned to Salem, VA to take over the reigns of the Salem High School tennis team. As the coach, Gibson led the Spartans to a five-year record of 42-9. Twice during his stint at Salem, Gibson led the squad to district championships, regional championships, and state semifinalist finishes. During the same time, Gibson volunteered with the Roanoke County Fire and Rescue team.

Gibson, who was a member of a number-two doubles team that went undefeated for two seasons at Salem HS, has been the City of Salem’s tennis coordinator for the past three years. His role in the Roanoke College tennis camps has also been very important over the past three years. An Emergency Medical Technician, Gibson is currently employed with the Salem Fire Department.