Mashiska Washington enters his fourth year with the Western Illinois tennis program. After serving as a volunteer coach in 2011-12 then elevating to graduate assistant coach during the 2012-13 season, he currently oversees the men's program after serving as interim men's and women's coach in 2013-14.
The men’s team earned a spot on the All-Summit League squad (Bradley Holt) in 2012-13, and another earn Academic All-Summit League accolades (Mitch Granger). The men’s team fell just short of a ‘Top 4’ finish and qualifying for the postseason tournament that season.
The following year (2013-14) Western's men advanced to the Summit League Tournament again. Granger was a repeat as Academic All-Summit League.
A 12-year veteran of the ATP Tennis Tour, Washington has competed in events in: North America, South America, Europe and Asia. During the 1999 U.S. Open he competed in the main draw of the singles bracket. Washington has also played in events such as: Canadian Open, Brazil Open, and events in Washington D.C., Scottsdale, Memphis, San Jose and Indianapolis.
He competed in tennis at Michigan State for two seasons, winning the fall 1992 title at the Notre Dame Invitational and fall 1993 Ball State Invitational. In 1994 he qualified for the NCAA nationals. He became the first singles player in Spartans history to earn All-America honors.
His standout playing career began in his younger years, competing in USTA sanctioned events and earning a national ranking as a singles player. He advanced to the finals of the boys 18-under Indoor Nationals in 1992, and singles semifinals in the 1993 18-U Nationals.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications from Michigan State in 2009, and is scheduled to finish his requirements for a master’s in Communications at Western in May 2015.
