Anybody who has been around local tennis for the last few decades has probably heard the name Caten more than once. It only seemed fitting once Warren County High School went searching for a new coach that a member of the family largely associated with the sport locally would take the helm.

Justin Caten was named the new WCHS tennis coach Wednesday, filling the spot left when Matt Jackson resigned the position following the 2024 season. Caten joins the long list of former Pioneers who have come back to coach locally as he was a WCHS graduate in 1996.

Caten was informed by WCHS co-athletic director Anthony Lippe this week the position was his if he wanted it, and the former Pioneer was glad to accept.

“I was excited about getting the job,” said Caten about his initial reaction. “I know a lot of the kids on the tennis team. They’re good kids and I think it’s going to be a good year. I’m happy to be helping them along.”

Caten has been playing tennis his whole life, including playing for the Pioneers in the 1990s. His coaching experience has been limited to helping his kids in community soccer and basketball locally, but teaching the game he loves shouldn’t be too tough of a transition.

It helps that there is some very capable talent which should be returning to the local courts in 2025. Abby Graves made a deep run in the District 7AA postseason tournament last year and headlines a group of returning Lady Pioneers. The boys team also improved throughout the 2024 season and could bring back many of its main contributors next spring.

Caten hopes to keep the upward trajectory of the program going next year.

“I know the kids pretty well. They try really hard and they’re skilled. They have fun. If I can help them grow their skill and improve individually and as a team, it’ll be a success,” said Caten.

Warren County competes in district play against Cookeville, Cumberland County, DeKalb County, Livingston Academy, Stone Memorial, Upperman and White County. The 2025 season will begin under Caten next March.