Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Oosterhous, Class of 2023

A Texas native, Dan attended the United States Air Force Academy (1989-’93).  He compiled 113 wins at the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles positions, ranking second all-time among USAFA players at the No 1 spots.

He was selected to the all-conference team all four years, received the team’s MVP award three times, and served as co-captain during his senior year, leading the team to a 25-2 record. 

The 2022-23 season marked the completion of Dan’s 14th season as head coach of the USAFA men’s tennis team. He led the Falcons to a 148-175 career record. Air Force is coming off its second straight winning season in 2023 and the third in the last four seasons. The Falcons earned a national ranking of 63 in February, 2023, tying for the highest ranking in program history.  

During the 2013 season, Dan suffered two brain stem strokes that resulted in a substantial loss of function in his left arm and leg. Since then, Dan has made significant strides in his recovery, and has fueled his recovery through opportunities in adaptive sports as a member of the 2014 Air Force Wounded Warrior team and a member of the 2014 and 2016 USA Invictus Games team. Dan has earned medals in swimming at the 2014 Warrior Games and in cycling at the 2016 Invictus Games. In 2014, he received USAFA’s General Mal Wakin Character and Leadership Award for his inspirational work with cadets and resiliency during recovery. 

Dan retired from coaching in 2023, and is now the associate athletic director for recruiting.