Grosse Pointe South has hired David Robare as its new varsity girls tennis head coach, the school's athletic department announced Oct. 21.
Robare takes over a program that finished fourth at the MHSAA Division 2 state finals in June, according to a GPPSS board update. Three Blue Devils doubles teams reached the semifinal or final round at the state tournament, according to MLive's coverage. Charlotte Kowal and Aubrey Lindow fell 6-3, 6-3 in the No. 2 doubles semifinal. Ella Brennan and Francesca Swikowski lost 6-0, 6-1 in the No. 3 doubles semifinal. Birdie Tabaczuk and Leah Dobrovolschi were beaten in straight sets in the No. 4 doubles final.
Robare played college tennis at the University of Illinois Chicago, where he compiled a 33-28 singles record and a 40-40 doubles mark over three seasons, according to his UIC Athletics profile. As a freshman in 2008-2009, he went 17-5 in singles, finished 5-0 against Horizon League opponents and closed the season on a nine-match winning streak. As a senior, he tied for first on the team with 13 doubles wins and paired with Alexander Raa for an 11-6 record at the No. 1 doubles spot.
Before college, Robare was a four-time letter winner at Lyons Township High School in Illinois. He won the 2007 Illinois doubles state championship, earned four-time All-State honors and was named a two-time All-American. He left Lyons Township as the program's all-time wins leader with 118 career victories.
The athletic department said in its Oct. 21 announcement that a meet-and-greet for players and families is planned. A date has not been set.
Grosse Pointe South Athletics said on Facebook that the department was thrilled to welcome Robare to the program.
The Blue Devils open the 2026-2027 spring season Wednesday, April 7, 2027, at L'Anse Creuse North, according to the GP South athletics schedule. The home opener against Dakota follows Friday, April 9, 2027. Romeo visits Wednesday, April 14, and Port Huron Northern comes to South on Wednesday, April 21. The rivalry match against Grosse Pointe North is set for Monday, April 26, 2027, at home, with a trip to Eisenhower on Wednesday, April 28.
