SALT LAKE CITY – University of Utah Head Women’s Tennis Coach Ric Mortera has announced the addition of Melissa Kopinski to his staff for the upcoming 2022-23 season. Kopinski will serve as the Associate Head Coach.
“I have had the privilege of knowing Coach Kopinski since her days as a great player and captain,” stated Mortera. “It has been a joy to see her evolution as a coach and the impact she has had at two very prominent programs in the country. We are very fortunate to have her here, and I am so excited for our team to get to know and work with her very soon.”
Kopinski joins the Utes after spending the last four years at Texas Tech. During her time with the Red Raiders, she helped guide the team to three NCAA Tournaments and made the Round of 32 twice. She coached multiple individuals to the NCAA Singles Championship. Under her guidance, Felicity Maltby earned All-American honors. This was the second team in program history a player earned All-American honors.
“I am incredibly grateful to be a part of the Utah family,” remarked Kopinski. “Coach Mortera has the program headed in the right direction, and I’m excited about what this team can accomplish in the future.”
Prior to her second stint in Lubbock, Kopinski spent one season at her alma mater, Illinois, as an assistant coach. She helped the Fighting Illini to a 22-6 record and the first NCAA Round of 32 appearance in nine years for Illinois. She coached Jaclyn Switkes to First Team All-Big Ten honors.
Kopinski was the volunteer assistant coach in her first stint as a Red Raider. She helped the team to the Sweet 16 and first-ever Elite Eight showing in the NCAA Tournament. Texas Tech won two Big 12 titles during her two seasons, and the program ranked as high as No. 5 in the ITA rankings. She also assisted in coaching the first-ever Big 12 Player of the Year and All-American in Red Raider history.
During her playing career at Illinois, Kopinski racked up a combined 162 victories highlighted by 88 doubles wins which ranks third all-time. She secured a trio of All-Big Ten selections while playing primarily at the No. 1 doubles position and either at the No. 2 or No. 3 singles slot for the Fighting Illini.
Kopinski earned ITA All-American honors in doubles with partner Rachael White in 2013. The pair advanced to the NCAA…
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