Bio

Sam Markovitz joined the SUNY Orange business faculty in 1981 and immediately assumed the role as head coach of the men's tennis team.

He guided the men s team for 30 seasons, amassing an overall record of 135-133. He began coaching the women's tennis team in 1986 and carved a sparkling record of 108-70 over 25 seasons before stepping down in 2010.

His men's team advanced to the national tournament twice (2003 and 2006) while he led the women's team to nationals seven times (1986, 1987, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005). In 2001, Laura Gabella captured a national title at first singles for the Colts. That same year, Gabella paired with Melissa Conley to win the first doubles national title as well.

Markovits coached two other teams to national doubles crowns: Gabella and Catherine Brignone in 2000, and Jackie Gurda and Kameko Fields in 2005. In 2006, after steering the Colts men s team to a Region XV title, Markovits was selected as regional Coach of the Year.

He also played tennis for Colgate University from 1972-75 and was a Section IX champ in 1971 as a member of the Middletown High School team.