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, 2025.
According to the Winona State University website, he was named the head women’s tennis coach in August 2020.
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.
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 University
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.
Sanvik was named head coach at Winona State in 2020 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 Mankato State University 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.
