Binghamton Women’s Tennis began a new era under first-year Head Coach Paul Caceres in 2024-25. The Bearcats finished the year with a 7-12, 1-6 record, the team’s highest win total since 2015-16. Freshman Clara Arbeloa Lopez was named to the Northeast Conference’s All-Rookie team after Binghamton took home five weekly honors during the regular season. With Caceres at the helm, Binghamton recorded four Division I victories and appeared in its second consecutive NEC Championship.
Caceres was named Binghamton's head women's tennis coach on July 8, 2024.Caceres came to Binghamton from fellow NEC member FDU, where he served as both women's and men's assistant coach for the past six years. During his FDU tenure, the Knights' women's program advanced to the NEC championship match three times in five years, including a runner-up showing this past April. In each of the five postseasons, his teams won at least one tournament match and reached the semifinals every year. FDU earned 25 all-conference accolades (five per year) and eight All-Rookie selections during Caceres' time in Teaneck. He also helped recruit and develop a pair of NEC Rookies of the Year as well as an NEC Scholar Athlete of the Year.
His FDU teams also have performed at an elite level off the court, with annual academic honors and ITA Community Service Awards in 2022 and 2023.
"We are excited to welcome Paul to Binghamton," Marshall, Jr. said. "His success at FDU and his direct knowledge and experience in the NEC was very appealing to us. Paul has a lifelong passion for tennis and his meticulous approach to recruiting and player development will no doubt lift our program."
Caceres is a Hall of Fame former collegiate tennis standout. As captain, he led his University of the Sciences (Philadelphia) team to the NCAA Division II Regionals in 2009 (first national berth) and is the school's all-time singles and doubles wins leader. He was the school's Senior Athlete of the Year and is visible throughout the program's record book.
"It is an incredible honor to be chosen as the next head women's tennis coach at Binghamton University. I want to thank President Harvey Stenger, Director of Athletics Eugene Marshall, Jr., Senior Associate Director of Athletics- Communications John Hartrick, and the entire search committee for this tremendous opportunity to transform, build, and propel this program forward in the Northeast Conference.
"I would like to thank Coach Jeff for providing me the opportunity to coach and learn by his side for the past six years at FDU and also my mentor Coach Ira Miller for his continued support over the years. Special thanks to my former players for all of their efforts, dedication, and team spirit.
"I am grateful for being selected to lead the Bearcats Women's Tennis Program. I strongly believe that we can establish a winning culture, achieve success on the court, in the classroom, and in the community. This program can be elevated to new heights with continuous improvement, hard work, dedication, and consistency. I look forward to helping this team realize its great potential, inspiring our tennis players to perform their best, striving for excellence in everything they do, and exceeding their expectations in becoming a successful women's tennis program that the Bearcat and Binghamton University community will be proud of for years to come."
He completed the university's rigorous Doctor of Pharmacy program in 2012 with a minor in sociology. A Dean's List student and merit scholarship recipient, Caceres also earned the school's "Community Engagement Award" and its "Emerging Leader Award." After graduation, he completed a residency in Arizona and remains board certified in geriatric pharmacy.
An active member of the USTA, Caceres has continued to play competitively and has taught at clinics, camps and privately for more than two decades. He has been an impassioned citizen in his community, having volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Philadelphia Medical Reserve Corps, Center for Food Action and Project HEARTH (Helping Elderly Adults Remain in Their Homes).
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