BUFFALO, N.Y. – D'Youville University Director of Athletics and Planning Ona Halladay has announced the hiring of Matt Ondesko as the Saints' new head women's tennis coach. In addition to leading the women's tennis program, Ondesko will also serve as an assistant coach for the D'Youville flag football program.

Ondesko arrives at D'Youville after spending eight seasons as the head varsity girl's tennis coach at Mount Mercy Academy, where he helped transform the Magic into one of the top programs in the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association.

During his tenure at Mount Mercy, Ondesko compiled a 30-49 overall record while guiding the Magic to Monsignor Martin B Division championships in 2023 and 2025. Over the last four seasons, Mount Mercy posted a 29-24 overall mark, including a 19-12 record in league play.

The 2025 campaign was one of the most successful in program history, as the Magic established a school record with 11 victories while finishing 11-4 overall, including a 5-1 mark in the B Division. The team also earned its first victory over Sacred Heart Academy in more than eight years.

Under Ondesko's leadership, Mount Mercy produced three All-Catholic selections and two Catholic State doubles representatives over the past four seasons. He also coached Anna Thomasson to become the program's all-time wins leader after compiling a 36-13 doubles record.

"I would like to thank Ona for giving me the opportunity to become the head coach of the women's tennis program," Ondesko said. "It is a great honor and privilege to be able to lead these young women on and off the court. I look forward to getting started and to help bring a championship back to DYouville."

In addition to his tennis experience, Ondesko has helped establish one of Western New York's emerging girls flag football programs.

He launched Mount Mercy's flag football program as a club sport in 2024, leading the team to a 7-5 record over its first two seasons. Following the transition to varsity competition, the Magic posted a 4-11 overall record while finishing 4-4 in Monsignor Martin play during their inaugural varsity season.

Ondesko coached seven All-Catholic selections, including three First Team honorees and four Second Team selections. He also helped coach Mount Mercy's first-ever All-Western New York flag football selections, highlighted by second team running back Brailey Zimmer, who rushed for more than 1,900 yards to rank second nationally. Linebacker Mara McCrea and freshman safety Olivia Gloss also earned All-WNY Honorable Mention recognition.
"I've known (head coach) Jeff Weiss for a couple years and being able to be part of his staff is an honor - and I'm excited to get started," Ondesko added. "I believe we can build something special and compete at the highest level."
 
A longtime tennis player himself, Ondesko competed in varsity singles at Bishop Timon High School and has more than 40 years of playing experience. His passion for athletics, player development, and building successful team cultures will help strengthen both the Saints women's tennis and flag football programs as D'Youville continues its upward trajectory.