It may seem as if Peter Miller never left Stonehill and he wouldn’t have it any other way.
The head coach of the men’s tennis team since 1979, Miller is also an alumnus who graduated four years earlier.
“Stonehill was a special place to me when I was still in school. I had more of an opportunity on the tennis side here so that helped me choose Stonehill also. I made close personal friends here and I still see these guys that were classmates with me years later and we’re still close.”
Miller, who majored in political science and secondary education here, was also part of the Stonehill men’s tennis team for 3 years during his time here as a student.
Miller is from Rockland, Massachusetts, and grew up as a fanatic for all sports due to the love and passion form his father.
“My dad really fostered sports into me,” said Miller.
Miller recalled a time at the local park where his love for tennis really began.
“Growing up, I was what they called a “park kid”. I remember this gentleman who came to the park one day and offered anyone tennis lessons if they wanted to. It sparked my interest and that’s where my love for tennis began,” said Miller.
Miller spent a chunk of his life involved in the Stonehill community whether it was as a student, or as a coach. “I got to pursue my passion with sports and got a good grounding and a good education. Stonehill wasn’t my first choice, but I knew I had the best chance to play tennis here.”
Miller was also a teacher at Mansfield High School for 35 years while coaching, and just recently retired from teaching in 2015.
On the coaching side, Miller elaborated on the facet of a person’s development within sports.
“Growing up in an athletic environment I saw the value in that and for me being able to participate in someone else’s development through athletics is fantastic. Being an athlete, you learn keys to the way of life,” said Miller.
Being part of the tennis program for so long, Miller has had many great moments and experiences. “Man, this is hard to choose.” Said Miller. “I would have to say going undefeated in 2009 in conference play and then winning the NE-10 championship. We then made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament that year. I could really choose 50. Beating Wagner for our first D1 conference win was another great one too. We also made the tournament and beat them that same year.”
Miller said there is a simple reason why he remains.
“I’ve always had a love for the game. Like I said before, I enjoy the development of helping others grow,” he said. “I’ve done it for not only myself but for others as well. I love building relationships. I’m very competitive so I love the nature of winning and losing and seeing the development that comes with each.”
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