Men's Tennis Adds Lleyton Cronje as Assistant CoachMen's Tennis Adds Lleyton Cronje as Assistant Coach
Conor Kvatek / UCF Athletics

Men's Tennis Adds Lleyton Cronje as Assistant Coach

by Franki Noble

ORLANDO –The UCF men’s tennis program has announced the addition of former captain Lleyton Cronje as an assistant coach, head coach Lloyd Bruce-Burgess announced on Wednesday.

Cronje will reunite with his former coaches, Bruce-Burgess and Kareem Allaf, now as colleagues, as he returns to the courts of the USTA National Campus, this time stepping into a new role as assistant coach.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have Lleyton join our staff. His passion for UCF is unmistakable, as he represented the program with pride during his playing career, serving as team captain his senior year, and has continued to show unwavering support ever since.”

Lloyd Bruce-Burgess

Cronje began his journey as a Knight as a transfer from VCU in 2021. From the beginning of his career at UCF, his high-energy play, leadership, and commitment to the Black and Gold were palpable and quickly made him a standout presence.

His partnership with fellow Knight Bogdan Pavel became a cornerstone of the team’s success. The tandem reached the second round of the NCAA Doubles Championships in 2023, the culmination of the two leading the team in both doubles and singles.

Cronje’s leadership proved invaluable during a pivotal season of transition. As Bruce-Burgess and Allaf entered their first year on staff, they inherited a young and evolving roster, one that quickly found its anchor in the Pretoria, South Africa, native. With Cronje at the forefront, the Knights launched a new era defined by resilience, growth, and unforgettable moments.

“Returning to Knight Nation is a massive honor for me, not just to compete at the highest level, but to give back to the program that helped shape me as a person."

Lleyton Cronje

Over the course of his career, Cronje helped usher in this new stage for UCF Tennis, building up to his role as captain of the program’s inaugural Big 12 squad in 2024.

That year, Cronje helped lead the Knights to a 14-1 non-conference record, marking the best stint in program history. His leadership also led the Black and Gold to a fourth-place finish in the Big 12. His clutch performances, including a dramatic three-set tiebreak win over Oklahoma State’s Isaac Becroft to clinch UCF’s first Big 12 home victory, became defining moments of the season and Cronje’s legacy as a Knight.

“Lleyton’s energy, dedication, and deep connection to UCF embody everything we value in our program,” Bruce-Burgess said. "We are thrilled to welcome him back in this new role and know he will make an immediate and positive impact on our team and culture.”

Social.png

About UCF Athletics
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.