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University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Athletic Director Jason Verdugo has announced that Austin High School grad and Blugold alum Matt Boughton has been hired to lead the Blugold men’s tennis program.

“We are excited to have Matt join our staff and family,” Verdugo said in a press release. “Our student athletes will greatly benefit from his passion for the game and his vision for the future of the program.”

As a well-known tennis pioneer of the Eau Claire community, Boughton, who played tennis as a Packer in high school, brings his knowledge and leadership abilities to the UWEC Athletic Department after serving as the executive director and head tennis pro at the John and Fay Menard YMCA Tennis Center for 17 years. Boughton was recognized with the Janet Louer U.S. Tennis Association Junior Team Tennis National Organizer of the Year Award in 2022.

“It’s been fun watching these players grow as student athletes, and now I’m excited to grow the team culture with them,” Boughton said in the release. “I want these players to be proud of their progress on the court and in the classroom, and to represent the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in a manner that we all can be proud of.  It’s truly a privilege to be part of this program and the University.”

Boughton also serves as the United States Tennis Association’s Northern Board president. He has worked with Team USA since 2016 and was a national runner-up in 2017. His accolades also include being two-time USTPA Wisconsin Pro of the Year, USTA Northern Pro of the Year, and multiple awards for the YMCA’s facility and tennis organization.

Boughton currently resides in Eau Claire with his wife Sara, daughters Gracie and Jillian.