Winona State University’s Tennis Coach Thomas Paul Sanvik Arrested for Possessing Child Sexual Abuse Material
The university encourages anyone with concerns to use its confidential support resources.
September 26, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on September 26, 2026
Thomas Paul Sanvik, a Winona State University head women’s tennis coach, was arrested for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material on Thursday afternoon, September 25, 2026.
According to the Winona State University website, he was named the head women’s tennis coach in August 2026.
Child sexual abuse is a complex topic, but talking about it is one of the most important ways to protect children.
It is an action where an adult or older child uses a child for sexual purposes. It isn’t always physical, but can also be showing a venereal picture or video, taking inappropriate photos or videos, and talking sexually.
Most of the time, the abuser is someone the child knows and trusts, like a family member, family friend, coach, or teacher. They often use tricks, gifts, or threats to keep the abuse a secret.
Everyone can create a safer world by educating ourselves and our children, where children are protected, heard, and believed.
Winona State Women’s Tennis Coach, Thomas Paul Sanvik, Arrested on Serious Charges
Winona State University’s head women’s tennis coach, Thomas Paul Sanvik, was arrested on Thursday for allegedly possessing child sexual abuse material.
The 65-year-old coach has been placed on administrative leave by the university.
Thomas Paul Sanvik was arrested on Thursday afternoon, September 25, 2026. (Source: Winona State Warriors)The health and safety of our students and student-athletes is our highest priority. We are working with Athletics leadership to ensure the members of the women’s tennis team feel supported throughout this time.
Winona State is committed to maintaining a respectful, safe learning and working environment for all. We encourage anyone with concerns to connect with the university through its confidential support and reporting resources.
Sanvik’s influence in the local tennis community spans decades.
He had a long history with Winona Senior High School, where he had served as a coach for both the girls’ and boys’ tennis teams since 1988.
More recently, he worked as a Unified PE instructor at the high school. However, he is no longer listed in those roles on the school’s website.
and led the team to a successful first season.
Similarly, he held prominent positions as the head instructor for the Winona Area Tennis Association and as a teaching professional at the Winona Area Tennis Center.
Sanvik is currently being held in the Winona County jail.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Thomas Paul Sanvik, also known as Tom Sanvik, was born in 1960 in Aurora, Minnesota.
- He stands 183 cm tall and weighs about 75 kg.
- He played Center at and earned a bachelor’s degree in education, with a specialization in special education at the K-12 levels.
- He holds a master’s degree in special education from the University of Minnesota, earned in 1999.
- Check other Articles on
Ashish Maharjan, author at Players Bio, has been covering news with a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling. A writer with a passion for capturing the essence of athletic competition.
Related articles
April 24, 2026
April 23, 2026
April 22, 2026
April 21, 2026
Comments
LEAVE A REPLY
Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here
Δ
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.
Share article
- April 24, 2026 Kody J. Steivang, a graduate of Chippewa Falls Middle School, has passed away at the age of 17. He was born on August 23, 2008,...
- April 24, 2026 Residents in Galway have raised concerns after an incident reported at Westside Park, where a group of young boys allegedly harassed people using the...
- April 23, 2026 Durham Technical Community College graduate Vashawn Peaks tragically passed away on April 19, 2026. Vashawn Peaks was born in Durham, North Carolina, to his...
- April 23, 2026 A parent in New Castle is raising concerns about child safety after describing a troubling incident at a local apartment playground. The situation, shared...
- April 22, 2026 Darian David Atwood of Zanesville tragically passed away on Monday. Atwood was born on January 6, 2010, in Zanesville to Jonathan C. Atwood and Haylee...
