Union University Athletics

Mario Cobo played four years for the Union men's tennis team during the most successful era in program history from 1998-2001. He played two seasons of tennis as an undergraduate and then two seasons of tennis as a graduate student. Cobo earned a BS in Business Administration in 1999 from Union, then his MBA from Union in 2001. 

Cobo posted a career singles record of 84-24 and a career doubles record of 68-21. He was ranked as high as No. 3 nationally in both singles and doubles. Cobo was a four-time NAIA All-American. 

In 1999, Cobo won the TranSouth Conference Tournament individual title after helping lead his team to the TranSouth Regular Season title.  He also led his team to the TranSouth Regular Season title in 2000. Then in 2001, Cobo led Union to the TranSouth Regular Season, TranSouth Tournament, and NAIA Region XI titles, earning several individual titles along the way.

Cobo was a four-time member of the TranSouth first team All-Conference and all-region teams. He led Union to four straight NAIA National Tournaments, finishing the season ranked in the top-10 nationally three times. 

After his playing career, he spent time as an assistant coach for the Union tennis program. He also worked as a tennis professional in several places before returning to Union in 2005 to work at the Jackson Country Club. He then accepted a job at Union as the Director of Residence Life. He was one of the first Union staff members to begin searching for students in the aftermath of the 2008 tornado. 

Cobo has received numerous certifications from the Professional Tennis Registry (PTR), holding its highest rating of a professional. He also holds other certificates and ratings from USPTA and PPR. In 2013, he finished 13th in the world in team competition representing Ecuador.

Cobo is married to Rebecca Smith, a 2001 graduate of Union. They have five children. He is currently working in Florida as the Director of Racquet Sports at Mariner Sands Country Club. He is also an avid runner, inspired by his college coach, Gary Johnson. Cobo became a Christian during his first year at Union.