Kentucky head men?s tennis coach Dennis Emery Monday announced the hiring of Rockie Mason as volunteer assistant coach.

Mason, a native of Lexington, was three-year letter winner at Auburn (1986, 1987, and 1989). As a student-athlete, Mason helped the Tigers reach the top-20 of the national rankings all three years he played. Mason has been the co-coach of the women?s tennis team at the Lexington Christian Academy, where he helped lead them to a pair of state championships. Mason currently serves as Vice President for First Southern Bank Corp.

?I have known Rockie for over 20 years,? Emery said. ?He was a great competitor who brings a great passion for the game to the court. He feels a real calling to work in the college game and we could not pass up a chance to add someone like him to our staff.?