2015 16 wt media guide

Page 1

2015-16 Utah Women’s Tennis Media Guide


2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

Contents Team Information Quick Facts...................................................................... 2 2015-16 Roster................................................................ 3 2016 Season Outlook 2016 Season Preview...................................................... 4 Coaching Staff Head Coach Mat Iandolo................................................. 5 Assistant Coach Ruth Ann Allen...................................... 6 Player Profiles............................................................7-16 2014-15 Season Review 2014-15 Team Stats....................................................... 17 2014-15 Schedule/Results............................................. 17 Program History All-Conference Performers............................................ 18 Player of the Year Awards.............................................. 18 Coach of the Year Awards.............................................. 18 Utes in the Final Rankings............................................. 18 Utah’s Top Wins vs. Ranked Opponents........................ 19 ITA All-Americans.......................................................... 20 Top-25 Teams................................................................ 21 ITA Academic Awards.................................................... 21 Utah Tennis Facilities Eccles Tennis Center................................................. 22-23 The Utah Experience Salt Lake City................................................................. 24 The University of Utah................................................... 25 Athletic Administration............................................ 26-27

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

1


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 Schedule/Results

QUICK FACTS Location.........................................................................................Salt Lake City Metro Population...............................................................................1,124,197 Elevation................................................................... 4,657 feet above sea level President......................................................................David W. Pershing, Ph.D Director of Athletics................................................................... Chris Hill, Ph.D Founded..................................................................................................... 1850 Enrollment............................................................................................... 32,077 Conference.............................................................................................. Pac-12 Affiliation................................................................................... NCAA Division I Colors.................................................................................. Crimson and White Nickname................................................................................................... Utes Mascot.........................................................................Swoop (red-tailed hawk) Tennis Facility........................................................ Eccles Tennis Center (1,500) Website..............................................................................www.UtahUtes.com

CONTACT US Athletics Departement.............................................................. (801) 581-8171 Sports Information...........................................................(801) 581-3511/3510 Ticket Office.................................................................... (801) 581-UTIX (8849) Eccles Tennis Center.................................................................. (801) 581-7075

FOLLOW UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS Instagram.................................................instagram.com/UTEWOMENSTENNIS Twitter....................................................................... twitter.com/utahathletics twitter.com/UteWomensTennis Facebook.................................................................... facebook.com/uathletics facebook.com/universityofutahwomenstennis

COMMUNICATIONS STAFF Associate AD/Communications �������������������������������������������������������������Liz Abel Director of Special Projects.................................................... Mike Lageschulte Associate Comm. Director......................................................... Drew Wiseman Associate Comm. Director ������������������������������������������������������������ Mike DeVine Associate Comm. Director................................................. Brooke Frederickson Assistant Comm. Director.......................................................... Dameon Myres Comm. Manager.......................................................................... Lynde Hoopes Women’s Tennis Contact......................................................Dominic Nguyen 801-413-4434, dnguyen@huntsman.utah.edu The 2015-16 University of Utah Woman’s Tennis media guide is a product of the Utah Communications office. Writing, design and layout by Shelby Cravens, Athletic Communications Assistant. Editorial assistance provided by the Communications staff.

2

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

September 25-27

UVA Invitational

3-11 14-18

ITA All-American Championships Los Angeles, Calif. ITA Regionals Las Vegas, Nev.

Various Results Various Results

Brown Invitational

Providence, R.I.

Various Results

vs. Gonzaga at UC Santa Barbara vs. Oklahoma

Salt Lake City Santa Barbara, Calif. Santa Barbara, Calif.

W, 6-1 W, 4-3 L, 4-1

vs. Denver vs. Utah State vs. Boise State vs. Weber State at New Mexico vs. BYU at Wisconsin vs. Minnesota

Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Albuquerque, N.M. Salt Lake City Madison, Wis. Madison, Wis.

L, 4-3 5 p.m. 10 a.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 5 p.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m.

vs. Wyoming vs. Arizona* vs. Arizona State* at Washington* at Washington State* at. California* at Stanford* vs. Fresno State

Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Seattle Pullman, Wash. Berkely, Calif. Palo Alto, Calif. Salt Lake City

5 p.m. 1:30 p.m. 11 a.m. TBA TBA TBA 12 p.m. 1:30 p.m.

vs. USC* vs. UCLA* at Oregon* at Colorado* Pac-12 Championships*

Salt Lake City Salt Lake City Eugene, Ore. Boulder, Colo. Ojai, Calif.

1:30 p.m. 11 a.m. 12 p.m. TBA TBA

NCAA Regionals

TBA

TBA

October

November 6-8

January

17 22 23 February 5 11 13 20 24 27 28

March

4 11 13 18 20 25 26 31

April

1 3 10 16 20-24

May 6-8

Charlottesville, Va.

Various Results

* = Pac-12 Conference Match All matches listed in Mountain Time. Home matches in bold. Home matchs are played at Eccles Tennis Center. Time and locations are subject to change.


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Roster Breakdown By Class

By State/Country

Seniors (1) Sarah Richter Juniors (1) Luisa Gerstner Da Rosa Sophomores (4) Jena Cheng Alexa Petrovic Margo Pletcher Victoria Robertson Freshmen (2) Taylor Calton Brianna Turley

United States Calif...............Victoria Robertson .......................Margo Pletcher Ga............................ Lexi Antista Utah..................... Taylor Calton ........................ Brianna Turley

Brazil.........Lusia Gerstner Da Rosa

Canada.................... Jena Cheng Germany...............Sarah Richter

Alphabetical Roster Name

Ht.

Yr.

Exp. Hometown (Previous School)

Taylor Calton

5-10

Fr.

HS

Highland, Utah (Lone Peak HS)

Jena Cheng

5-4

So.

1L

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Lillian Osborne HS)

Luisa Gerstner Da Rosa

5-9

Jr.

2L

Porto Alegre, Brazil (Coliegio Bom Conselho)

Alexia Petrovic

5-5

So.

1L

Munster, Ind. (Nazareth Academy)

Margo Pletcher

5-8

So.

1L

Laguna Nigual, Calif. (Dana Hills HS)

Sarah Richter

6-0

Sr.

3L

Dresden, Germany (Sportgymnasium Dresden)

Victoria Robertson

5-4

So.

1L

San Diego, Calif. (Patrick Henry HS)

Brianna Turley

5-6

Fr.

HS

Kaysville, Utah (Davis HS)

Head Coach: Mat Iandolo (Weber State, ’83) - 9th Season Assistant Coach: Ruth Ann Allen (Utah, ‘92) - 17th Season

Pronunciation Guide Luisa Gerstner da Rosa . . . Loo-EE-suh Gerr-st-nur dah Rosa Margo Pletcher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar-GO Pleh-chur Alexia Petrovic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pe-trO-vick Sarah Richter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . RICK-ter

Coaching Staff

MAT IANDOLO 9th Season Weber State ‘83

RUTH ANNE ALLEN 17th Season Utah ‘92

Taylor Calton Freshman

Jena Cheng Sophomore

Luisa Gerstner Da Rosa Junior

Alexia Petrovic Sophomore

Highland, Utah

Edmonton, Alberta

Porto Alegre, Brazil

Munster, Ind.

Margo Pletcher Sophomore

Sarah Richter Senior

Victoria Robertson Sophomore

Brianna Turley Freshman

Laguna Nigual, Calif.

Dresden, Germany

San Diego, Calif.

Kaysville, Utah

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

3


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2016 Season Preview The Utah women’s tennis team prepares to kick off its 2016 dual-match campaign, which begins against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in Salt Lake City on Jan. 17 at the George S. Eccles Tennis Center. The Utes hope to improve on their 1013 record in 2014-1015. The fall tournaments were a learning experience for the Utes as the young team continues to improve every day and make adjustments after the loss of graduated senior Tereza Bekerova. “Potentially, we could be better,” Utah Head Coach Mat Iandolo said. “We did lose Tereza Bekerova. One of the top players in this conference last year, and a top 50-60 player in the country. But with that being said, we will be a much deeper team. Despite the loss of [Bekerova], we should be better at every other position.” Consistency is key for the Utes as the team moves forward and looks to improve in the Pac-12 Conference standings. “Attitude is the biggest thing, this is a very grueling sport, but there is always something after a match that could be worked on,” sophomore Alexia Petrovic said. Two new faces have joined the Utes as newcomers Brianna Turley and Taylor Calton were both top players in Utah at their respective programs and add much-needed depth to the Ute roster. As a freshman, the fall season can be a glimpse into the competitive nature of college tennis and that was the case for Turley. “For me, it was about the experience,” Turley said. “Learning how to compete not only as an individual but also as a team. You are there to support and root on your teammates.” “The main difference in the team this year is that we have two freshmen who are very capable of playing at a high level,” Petrovic said. “Every single person could play any position from 1-8 and honestly I couldn’t say the same last year.” Returning for their second year with the team are sophomores Petrovic, Jena Cheng, Margo Pletcher and Victoria Robertson. In the fall season, Iandolo has seen a great deal of improvement and progress from his players. “[Alexi] Petrovic has surprised me, she has worked very hard and has shown great improvement from the first tournament to this last one,” Iandolo said.

4

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE “The freshmen have clearly improved a great deal. Since the end of last season, Margo Pletcher has improved a great deal. She has worked very hard over the summer and fall and has definitely proven she deserves to be a factor in the upper half of our lineup.” Luisa Gerstner Da Rosa is the lone junior on the team and brings a great deal of experience. Senior Sarah Richter is the leader of the team and as she enters her last season, she will be a key component in the Utes success in the 2016 season. “Sarah Richter is our senior,” Iandolo said. “She’s not a vocal leader, but she’s a leader in her kindness, she’s even keeled, and can connect with everyone on the team. She’s a leader by example.” This will be Iandolo’s ninth year leading the team and holds a 103-82 overall record. He has lead the Utes to two Mountain West Conference titles and was the 2010-11 MWC Women’s Tennis Coach of the Year. The Utes will host 12 home matches at the Eccles Tennis Center, including dual matches against four conference opponents: Arizona (Mar. 11), Arizona State (Mar. 13), USC (Apr. 1), and UCLA (Apr. 3).


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Mat Iandolo Head Coach 9th Season

including a 7-1 mark in MWC play, Utah made its second straight trip to the NCAA tournament after earning the MWC’s automatic bid by winning the conference tournament championship. Iandolo also placed four players on the all-MWC team for the first time since Utah joined the conference.

Iandolo’s Record at Utah Mountain West Conference Year Record Conf. Finish 2008 15-9 5-3 (4th) 2009 10-13 3-5 (6th) 2010 17-8 8-0 (1st) 2011 16-10 7-1 (2nd)

Iandolo has built a 93-69 record in his first seven seasons at Utah. He has also produced four AllWeber State (‘83) Pac-12 selections and 13All-MWC selections, Pac-12 Conference including 2011 MWC Women’s Tennis Player of the 2012 12-11 3-7 (8th) Year Anastasia Putilina and 2008 MWC Freshman of 2013 11-9 5-5 (6th) Mat Iandolo is entering his ninth season as head coach of the University of Utah women’s the Year Evgenia Kryuchkova. In addition, Iandolo 2014 12-9 3-7 (T-7th) received Utah’s 2009-10 Don B. Reddish Coach of tennis program. 2015 10-13 4-6 (T-6th) the Year award. 8 years 103-82 (.557) 38-36 (.514) Utah won 10 dual matches in 2014-15 with a 5-3 mark at home. Tereza Bekerova was honored by the Pac-12 as an all-conference and all-academic team selection for the third In his inaugural season at the helm, the Utes finished the 2007-08 season ranked No. 54, earning their first national rating in the year’s final poll since the 2004 campaign, and consecutive season. Bekerova competed at No. 1 singles the entire season for the Utes finished the 2008-09 season ranked No. 63. and was 62nd in the nation in the latest ITA rankings and won 22 singles matches. She finished the season in impressive fashion by advancing to the quarterfinals of both the An experienced coach, Iandolo has been working with collegiate players for more than 25 doubles and singles draws at the Pac-12 Championships. years, since his graduation from Weber State in 1983. He came to Utah prior to the 200708 season after spending 16 years at Purdue. Bekerova teamed with freshman Margo Pletcher as Utah’s No. 1 doubles duo all season and the pair is currently ranked 47th in the latest ITA rankings. Bekerova and Pletcher “I came to the University of Utah because of Harry James,” Iandolo said of the former defeated No. 17 Lina Lileikite and Stephanie Wagner of Miami and No. 27 Briar Preston Utah coach. “He is one of my coaching idols. I am very proud to be a tennis coach at his and Shayne Austin of Arizona. university.” Bekerova, a Prague native, finished the season in impressive fashion by advancing to the After taking on the Purdue program in 1991, Iandolo started building it from the ground quarterfinals of both the doubles and singles draws at the Pac-12 Championships. up. Purdue totaled just nine wins in Iandolo’s first three seasons, but made a major turnaround in 1995, winning 14 overall matches and six Big Ten contests en route to a Last season, the Utes compiled a 12-9 overall record with a 3-7 Pac-12 clip. The Utes fourth-place conference finish. Purdue had never finished higher than fifth (1982) in the recorded five wins against ranked opponents and ended the season ranked 36th in the country. Bekerova was recognized as a Pac-12 Honorable Mention for the second straight Big Ten prior to Iandolo’s appointment. season. The Utes also performed well in the classroom,matching last seasons’ record In 1998, the Boilermakers enjoyed their most successful year under Iandolo, winning 14 for the most in program history with five student-athletes receiving the honor. Iandolo overall matches while posting a program-best 8-2 record in Big Ten play, good enough for led the Utes to a sixth-place Pac-12 finish (5-5). For the first time since joining the new a second-place regular-season finish. During the 1998 spring season, Purdue collected two conference, two Utes earned All-Pac-12 accolades as Sarah Pham and Bekerova each upsets over Top 30-ranked opponents, won matches against Northwestern and Indiana for garnered Honorable Mention recognition. the first time ever, and earned a final national ranking of 44th. The Utes fared well in their inagural Pac-12 season, going 12-11 overall and 3-7 against conference competition. Anastasia Putalina earned Utah’s first women’s tennis All-Pac-12 For his efforts in that memorable season, Iandolo garnered Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. Iandolo guided the Boilermakers to another winning campaign and yet another Honors. NCAA Championship appearance in 2003. Iandolo again was honored for his work in leading Purdue to a 6-4 Big Ten record, as he received Big Ten Coach of the Year In 2010-11 Iandolo was named the Mountain West Conference Women’s Tennis Coach recognition at season’s end. In 2006, the Boilermakers made the NCAA regional finals and of the Year for the second consecutive season after leading the Utes to back-to-back posted a big win over No. 17 Harvard along the way. conference titles and NCAA Championship appearances. With a 16-10 overall record,

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

5


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

Ruth Ann Allen Assistant Coach 17th Season Utah (‘92) Former Ute All-American Ruth Ann Allen enters her 17th year as the assistant coach for the women’s tennis program. Allen is in the midst of her third stint in this position, having previously served as Utah’s assistant coach for two separate four-year periods. During her four-year playing career at Utah, the former Ruth Ann Stevens garnered several honors. She was an All-American in 1992 and earned allconference honors every year she played (1989-92). With doubles partner Lisa Salvatierra, she ranked 12th nationally and was the No. 5 seed at the 1992 NCAA Championships. With doubles partner Allison Bradford in 1991, she was ranked as high as No. 2 nationally. The Utah native was a three-time NCAA qualifier and was inducted into the Crimson Club Hall of Fame in 2005. Allen is a certified USPTA teaching pro and worked as an assistant pro for over 10 years at the Snowbird Canyon Racquet Club. In addition to her duties with the Utes, she is currently teaching tennis at Eccles Tennis Center. During her previous stop at the U., she coached former Utes Allison Bradford and Mirja Wallmark to top-100 rankings in the NCAA. Allen lives in her hometown of Salt Lake City. She is married to Jason Allen and has three children, Calvin, Anna and Roxy.

6

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Taylor Calton 5-10• Freshman Highland, Utah Lone Peak High School Right Handed High School - Helped Lone Peak to two state titles her freshman and sophomore seasons, while also taking the state singles title as a sophomore in 2012 … recognized as the Utah Female Athlete of the Year for all sports … was also awarded the Hillary Doyle Sportsmanship Award.

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

7


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

Jena Cheng 5-4 • Sophomore Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Lillian Osborne HS Right-Handed 2014-15 Prior - Placed third at the U16 and U18 Junior National Championships in 2014 … won Saville G5 ITF … ranked No.1 women’s tennis player in Alberta … trained at Saville Sports Center … coached by Carson Bell and Corey Stewart. Personal - Born Aug. 27, 1996 … daughter of Will and Diane Cheng … graduated high school with high honors … intends to major in biology with a pre-dental emphasis.

Cheng’s Career Stats Year Singles Pct. Doubles Pct. 2014-15 9-20 .310 12-15 .444 Total 9-20 .310 12-15 .444

8

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Luisa Gerstner Da Rosa 5-9 • Junior Porto Alegre, Brazil Colegio Bom Conselho Right-Handed 2014-15 – Teamed with Elena Najera-Salas to go 5-3 in doubles through Pac-12 play … the duo went 6-7 overall in doubles … was 4-8 in doubles with Richter, mainly in the No. 2 position ... went 13-20 overall in singles play, mainly in the four of five position. 2013-14 – Compiled a 10-12 overall season record … went 6-10 in dual matches out of No. 6 singles as a true freshman with a 2-5 conference mark … notched first collegiate win against Jessica Williet of San Jose State on Feb. 9 … collected two wins against opponents from ranked squads … compiled a 9-9 record at No. 2 doubles with Sarah Richter and went 3-6 in conference match-ups. Prior - One of the top junior tennis players out of South America … ranked among the top 300 junior tennis players in the world … played for Brazil’s Junior Fed Cup … attained rankings in the WTA singles and doubles. Personal - Born Apr. 23, 1995 in Porto Alegre, Brazil … daughter of Lonise and Mauro … has one older brother, Pedro Rosa … enjoys music, playing the guitar and cooking … majoring in business with an emphasis in marketing.

da Rosa’s Career Stats Year Singles Pct. Doubles Pct. 2013-14 6-10 .375 7-10 .412 2014-15 13-20 .406 10-15 .400 Total 19-30 .388 17-25 .405

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

9


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

Alexia Petrovic 5-5 • Sophomore Munster, Ind. Nazareth Academy Right-Handed 2014-15 - Had a 17-18 singles record with a 7-7 mark in tournament play … teamed with Petrovic and Cheng in doubles. Prior - Coached by Jacek Dabrowski and Marcy Hendricks … won conference and placed second, fifth and eighth in state throughout high school career at Nazareth Academy. Personal - Born April 23, 1996 in Munster, Ind. … daughter of Anne and Milan Petrovic … has two siblings, Juliana and Jacob … dad played collegiate basketball at Northwestern … involved in Youth Initiative, Spanish Club, the school newspaper, Math Club and Roadrunner Club in high school … enjoys spending time with friends and family, shopping, reading and babysitting … majoring in Journalism and aims to be a sports broadcaster.

Petrovic’s Career Stats Year Singles Pct. Doubles Pct. 2014-15 17-18 .486 2-6 .250 Total 17-18 .486 2-6 .250

10

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Margo Pletcher 5-8 • Sophomore Laguna Niguel, Calif. Dana Hills HS Right-Handed 2014-15- Teamed with Tereza Bekerova for Utah’s No. 1 doubles tandem that went 9-9 in dual meets and finished ranked 46th and was second in the region … defeated Miami’s (Fla.) eighthranked tandem of Stephanie Wagner and Lina Lileikite (7-5) on Jan. 18 … won seven matches in singles play, including a 3-3 mark in the No.6 position. Prior - Three-time All-Country First Team selection... Rookie of the Year as a freshman at Dana Hills HS... elected MVP as a senior...claimed a South Coast League singles title...won a CIF title as a sophomore and took CIF state as a junior.

Pletcher’s Career Stats Year Singles Pct. Doubles Pct. 2014-15 7-13 .350 11-12 .478 Total 7-13 .350 11-12 .478

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

11


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

Sarah Richter 6-0 • Senior Dresden, Germany Sportsgymnasium Dresden Left-Handed 2014-15 2013-14 – Amassed an 8-10 dual match record at the No. 4 singles spot … went 1-7 against Pac-12 opponents … recorded first conference victory against Colorado’s Carla Maniz Tenorio on Apr. 19 … teamed up with Luisa da Rosa at the second doubles spot … the duo recorded a 7-10 overall record with a 2-3 conference mark … won her singles flight at the Tribe Invitational. 2012-13 - Did not play. Personal - Born April 5, 1993 in Dresden, Germany … daughter of Karin Enke and Henning Richter … mother is a three-time Olympic Champion and 11-time World Champion speed ice skater … has two older siblings, Laura and Sascha … majoring in international studies … graduated from Sportgymnasium Dresden in 2012 … enjoys basketball, beach volleyball, and meeting with friends ... majoring in communication with a minor in business.

Richter’s Career Stats Year Singles Pct. Doubles Pct. 2013-14 8-10 .444 7-10 .412 2014-15 9-20 .450 12-15 .444 Total 17-30 .362 19-25 .432

12

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Victoria Robertson 5-4 • Sophomore San Diego, Calif. Patrick Henry HS Right-Handed 2014-15 - Finished 6-6 in singles play … teamed with Petrovic in doubles and was 1-4 … won four of five singles matches from Sept. 25-Jan. 16. Prior - Two-time letterwinner at Patrick Henry High School in San Diego … coached by her mother, Karen Ronney… CIF champion. Personal - Born Dec. 29, 1995 in San Diego, Calif. … enjoys hiking … elected to the honor roll in high school … majoring in Environmental Conservation.

Robertson’s Career Stats Year Singles Pct. Doubles Pct. 2014-15 6-6 .500 1-4 .250 Total 6-6 .500 1-4 .250

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

13


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2014-15 Season Statistics Singles

Dual Name No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 No. 5 No. 6 Record Tereza Bekerova 11-8 --- --- --- --- --- 11-8 Callie Craig --- --- 8-9 --- --- --- 15-5 Luisa da Rosa --- --- --- --- --- 6-10 6-10 Lucia Kovarcikova--- --- --- --- --- --- --- Paige Miles --- --- --- --- 11-6 --- 11-6 Sarah Pham --- 12-5 --- --- --- --- 12-5 Sarah Richter --- --- --- 8-10 --- --- 8-10 Erica Valimaki --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Totals 11-8 12-5 8-9 8-10 11-6 6-10 56-48 Percentage .579 .706 .471 .444 .647 .375 .538

Doubles

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

2014-15 Schedule & Results Jan. 24 Jan. 25 Jan. 27

vs. #37 St. Mary’s vs. #60 North Texas at University of Texas

L 4-2 W 4-1 L 1-4

Feb. 9 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 19 Feb. 22 Feb. 23

at San Jose State vs. #50 Denver at Boise State vs. #71 BYU vs. #20 Oklahoma at New Mexico

W W W W L W

6-1 5-2 5-2 4-3 4-3 6-1

March 7 March 8 March 12 March 14 March 16 March 18 March 21 March 23

at Oregon* at #53 Washington State* vs. #23 Houston vs. #1 UCLA* vs. #10 USC* vs. #62 Marshall vs. #16 California* vs. #4 Standford*

W W W L L W L L

4-0 4-3 7-0 5-0 4-1 5-2 6-1 4-0

Dual Names No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 Record Bekerova/Miles 13-6 --- --- 13-6 Craig/Pham --- --- 11-3 11-3 April 2 da Rosa/Richter --- 7-10 --- 7-10 April 4 Totals 12-7 7-10 11-3 30-20 April 5 Percentage .632 .412 .786 .600 April 13 April 19 April 24-26

vs. Montana W 7-0 at #35 Arizona* L 7-0 at #23 Arizona State* L 4-2 at #48 Washington* L 4-0 vs. Colorado* W 4-1 Pac-12 Championships* 9th

* Pac-12 Conference Match Overall Record: 12-9 Conference Record: 3-7 14

UTAHUTES.COM


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

All-Conference Performers Since 1986, Utah has had at least 30 different players earn 51 All-Conference accolades while playing in the Pac- 12, the MWC, the WAC and the HCAC. Following are Utah’s confirmed all-conference award winners.

Pac-12 Conference 2015 Tereza Bekerova.................................. Singles 2014 Tereza Bekerova................................... Singles 2013 Tereza Bekerova.................................. Singles Sarah Pham......................................... Singles 2012 Anastasia Putlina................................. Singles

Mountain West Conference 2011 Evgenia Kryuchkova............................ Singles Paige Miles.........................................Doubles Sarah Pham........................................Doubles Anastasia Putilina............. Singles & Doubles 2010 Evgenia Kryuchkova............................ Singles Paige Miles..........................................Doubles Anastasia Putilina.............. Singles & Doubles 2009 Andrea Maughan............................... Doubles Erin Monsona.................... Singles & Doubles Anastasia Putilina................................ Singles 2008 Elizabeth Ferris................. Singles & Doubles Evgenia Kryuchkova............................ Singles Emily Kwok........................ Singles & Doubles 2007 Elizabeth Ferris................. Singles & Doubles Leigh Walsh........................................Doubles 2006 Elizabeth Ferris................................... Singles 2005 Elizabeth Ferris................................... Singles Emily Kwok.......................................... Singles 2000 Megan Payne-Dorny.......... Singles & Doubles Carrie Kasteler....................................Doubles

Western Athletic Conference 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995

Megan Payne-Dorny............................ Singles Anna Svedenhov.................................. Singles Linda Engblom.................................... Singles Linda Engblom.................................... Singles Mirja Wallmark................................... Singles Linda Engblom...................................Doubles Angie Olson.........................................Doubles Mirja Wallmark................................... Singles

1994 1993 1992 1991

Rebecca Smith................... Singles & Doubles Lisa Paal..............................................Doubles Alison Bradford................. Singles & Doubles Rebecca Smith....................................Doubles Alison Bradford................................... Singles Lisa Salvatierra.................. Singles & Doubles Ruth Ann Stevens...............................Doubles Alison Bradford................. Singles & Doubles Ruth Ann Stevens...............................Doubles

High Country Athletic Conference 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986

Julie Kempin........................................ Singles Liz Fox.................................................Doubles Ruth Ann Stevens...............................Doubles Kristen Siegmund...............................Doubles Susie Costa..........................................Doubles Michelle Mras...................................... Singles Kristen Siegmund................................ Singles Susy Westgall....................................... Singles Liz Fox.................................................. Singles Michelle Mras...................................... Singles Kristen Siegmund................................ Singles Marcia Foote........................................ Singles Linda Anderson..................................Doubles Jill Collett............................................Doubles Pam Miller..........................................Doubles Linda Tanner......................................Doubles

Player of the Year Awards 2011 2010 2010 2008 1996 1995 1994

Anastasia Putilina MWC Player of the Year Paige Miles ITA Mountain Region Rookie of the Year Anastasia Putilina ITA Mountain Region Player to Watch Evgenia Kryuchkova MWC Freshman of the Year Linda Engblom WAC Newcomer of the Year Mirja Wallmark WAC Newcomer of the Year Rebecca Smith WAC Sportsmanship Award

Coach of the Year Awards 2011 2010

Mat Iandolo MWC Coach of the Year Mat Iandolo MWC Coach of the Year

Utes in the Final ITA Rankings At the end of the 2012 season, Anastasia Putlinia became the first Ute in over 20 years to claim a final singles ITA ranking in three consecutive seasons. Putlina also earned doubles recognition at the close of the 2012 season, pegging her as the first Ute to appear on both lists since Elizabeth Ferris did it in 2008.

Singles 2015 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2000 1999 1998 1996 1995 1992 1991 1989 1988

Tereza Bekerova, No. 62 Tereza Bekerova, No. 104 Anastasia Putlinia, No. 59 Anastasia Putilina, No. 95 Anastasia Putilina, No. 99 Elizabeth Ferris, No. 63 Megan Payne Dorny, No. 55 Megan Payne, No. 81 Anna Svedenhov, No. 77 Linda Engblom, No. 99 Mirja Wallmark, No. 62 Mirja Wallmark, No. 58 Lisa Salvatierra, No. 78 Alison Bradford, No. 99 Michelle Mras, No. 45 Michelle Mras, No. 61

Doubles 2012 2010 2008 1998 1997 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989

Anastasia Putilina/Callie Craig, No. 84 Paige Miles/Anastasia Putilina, No.81 Elizabeth Ferris/Emily Kwok, No. 27 Linda Engblom/Anna Svedenhov, No. 44 Megan Payne/Kim Kelly, No. 41 Alison Bradford/Rebecca Smith, No. 20 Ruth Ann Stevens/Lisa Salvatierra, No. 12 Ruth Ann Stevens/Alison Bradford, No. 13 Ruth Ann Stevens/Susie Costa, No. 38 Michelle Mras/Susie Costa, No. 28

**Bold Italic indicaties active student-athlete

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

15


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

Year 1992 2008 2000 2000 1996 2006 1988 2012 1998 1999 1995 2014 1990 1993 2012 2012 2000 1995 2015 1998 1998 1993 2010 1995 2011 1991 1991 1991 2009 1988 2015 1989 1990 2011 2007 2010 1996 1988 2015 2000 2012 2007 2012 2006 2006

16

Utah Player Lisa Salvatierra Elizabeth Ferris Megan Payne Dorny Megan Payne Dorny Mirja Wallmark Elizabeth Ferris Michelle Mras Anastasia Putilina Linda Engblom Megan Payne Dorny Mirja Wallmark Tereza Bekerova Susie Costa Alison Bradford Evgenia Kryuchkova Anastasia Putilina Megan Payne Dorny Mirja Wallmark Tereza Bekerova Anna Svedenhov Anna Svedenhov Alison Bradford Anastasia Putilina Mirja Wallmark Evgenia Kryuchkova Michelle Mras Kristin Siegmund Alison Bradford Anastasia Putilina Michelle Mras Tereza Bekerova Michelle Mras Julie Kempin Anastasia Putilina Elizabeth Ferris Anastasia Putilina Linda Engblom Michelle Mras Tereza Bekerova Megan Payne Dorny Anastasia Putilina Elizabeth Ferris Sarah Pham Elizabeth Ferris Elizabeth Ferris

SINGLES Opponent Lisa Raymond Aurelija Miseviciute Whitney Laiho Janet Walker Divya Merchant Olga Boulutcheva Allyson Cooper Denis Dy Anousjka Van Exel Angela Lawrence Lisa Alipaz Denise Star Anya Kochoff Nicole Storto Erin Vierra Lindsey Hardenbergh Carlijn Buis Karina Kuregian Natalie Beazant Yana Dorodnova Zsofia Csapo Anna Funderburk Kristina Nedeltcheva Dina Birch Michaela Kissell Susanna Lee Jami Yonekura Stella Sampras Jennifer Stevens Diana Gardner Denise Star Michelle Taylor Monica Waniek Hilary Bartlett Anca Anasasiu Julia Trunk Patricia Zerdan Danielle Scott Denise Star Alida Gallouits Brittany Wowchuck Anna Sydorska McCall Jones Brooke Buck Marianne Baker

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Utah’s Top Wins vs. Ranked Opponents Rank No. 1 No. 2 No. 7 No. 12 No. 14 No. 18 No. 18 No. 20 No. 23 No. 25 No. 26 No. 26 No. 28 No. 29 No. 29 No. 30 No. 30 No. 30 No. 32 No. 32 No. 35 No. 35 No. 37 No. 39 No. 41 No. 41 No. 41 No. 42 No. 42 No. 43 No. 44 No. 46 No. 48 No. 49 No. 49 No. 50 No. 50 No. 51 No. 52 No. 54 No. 58 No. 58 No. 62 No. 66 No. 69

School Florida Arkansas Florida Texas Florida BYU UCLA Washington Tulsa Pepperdine SDSU California USC SDSU Virginia Virginia William & Mary Kansas State Rice Kansas State Pepperdine Auburn UNLV San Diego Marshall BYU Miami (Fla.) UCLA Virginia Princeton California BYU Oklahoma State Princeton USC SDSU SMU Arizona State Texas Florida State Northwestern TCU UCLA Notre Dame Maryland

2008 2012 2011 2013 2010 2011 2014 2012 2013 2011 2012 2011

Elizabeth Ferris Callie Craig Lucia Kovarcikova Sarah Pham Evgenia Kryuchkova Anastasia Putilina Tereza Bekerova Sarah Pham Sarah Pham Anastasia Putilina Callie Craig Sarah Pham

Gira Schofield Hana Tomlijanovic Hana Tomlijanovic Doninique Harmath Alicia Aguilar Pavlina Smatova Despoina Vogasari Hnan Tomlijanovic Pamela Montez Emily Fraser Caryssa Peretz Courtney McLane

No. 71 No. 72 No. 73 No. 76 No. 78 No. 79 No. 80 No. 85 No. 86 No. 88 No. 89 No. 91

South Carolina Virginia Virginia Rice SDSU Oregon Houston Virginia UCLA Virginia Virginia Alabama

Year 1992 1993 1992 1995 1991 1989 1989 1992 1992 1993 1990 2010 2013 2012 2010 2013

Utah Team Stevens/Salvatierra Bradford/Smith Stevens/Salvatierra Engblom/Olson Stevens/Bradford Mras/Costa Stevens/Kempin Stevens/Salvatierra Stevens/Salvatierra Bradford/Smith Stevens/Costa Maughan/Monson Najera-Salas/Smith Craig/Puilina Miles/Putilina Bekerova/Miles

DOUBLES Opponent Mair/Van De Merwe McKeon/Richards Albano/Alley Spencer/White Storto/Brandt Cenizia/Sampras Emmons/May Hamers/Jensen Lloyd/Louthian Erickson/Stockman Young/Kobilkova Ffriend/Hamm Colehide/Montez Marks/Smyth Marks/Naydenova Dougals-Miro/Shimizu

Rank No. 6 No. 6 No. 7 No. 9 No. 9 No. 9 No. 13 No. 13 No. 14 No. 16 No. 23 No. 28 No. 28 No. 35 No. 42 No. 71

School William & Mary San Diego California UC Santa Barbara SDSU UCLA UCLA UCLA Florida Pepperdine BYU North Carolina UCLA Arizona Arizona Washington

**Bold Italic indicaties active student-athlete


2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

Utah’s ITA All-Americans Utah women’s tennis has had three different players, including current assistant coach Ruth Ann Allen, earn ITA All-American awards. Utah’s first All-American was Jane Stratton, a three-time selection between 1973 and 1976. Lisa Salvatierra and Ruth Ann Stevens were both recognized in 1992.

All-American Utes Lisa Salvatierra Ruth Ann Stevens Jane Stratton

Year 1992 1992 1974-76

To earn the elite distinction, a player must satisfy at least one of the following criteria. These standards for selection, along with some minor refinements, have been in place since 1979. Singles - Top 16 seed at the NCAA Tournament - Reach the Round of 16 at the NCAA Tournament - Finish in the Top 20 in the final ITA Rankings Doubles - Top 8 seed at the NCAA Tournament - Reach the Quarterfinals at the NCAA Tournament - Finish in the Top 10 in the final ITA Rankings

Jane Stratton Jane Stratton, the first female athlete to receive a full-ride scholarship at the U., earned All-America status three times and was a finalist in the National Women’s Collegiate Championships twice. During her collegiate career, she ranked No. 3 in singles and No. 1 in the U.S. 18 and under doubles competition. Stratton made two quarterfinal appearances at Wimbledon in doubles. She is a member of Utah’s Crimson Club Hall of Fame.

Ruth Ann Stevens Ruth Ann Stevens (now Allen) was named to the 1992 ITA All-America team. She was ranked No. 12 nationally with doubles partner Lisa Salvatierra and was the No. 5 seed at the 1992 NCAA Championships. She ranked as high as No. 2 nationally with doubles partner Alison Bradford in 1991; both qualified for the NCAA Championships. Stevens was a three-time NCAA qualifier. She is a member of Utah’s Crimson Club Hall of Fame.

Lisa Salvatierra As a freshman, Lisa Salvatierra garnered a No. 12 national ranking with doubles partner Ruth Ann Stevens. Salvatierra and Stevens reached the doubles semifinals at the ITA National Indoor Tournament, as well as winning the ITA Regional Doubles Championships.

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

17


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS Top 25 Teams

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

ITA Team Academic Award

Utah women’s tennis has had three consecutive teams finish in the Top 25 in the final ITA national collegiate rankings from 1988-1991.

The ITA All-Academic Team award is open to any ITA program that has a cumulative team grade point average of 3.20 or above (on a 4.00 scale). Utah has won the All-Academic Team award three times, successfully balancing a commitment to academic success with winning tennis. 2003-04 3.50 GPA

Top left: The 1988-89 squad finished the year ranked No. 25.

2003-04 3.50 GPA

Top right: 1990-1991 Utah grabbed the No. 23 spot to end the season. Bottom left: The Utes were ranked No. 21 at the end of the 1989-1990 season,

2001-02 3.26 GPA

2002-03 3.28 GPA

ITA Scholar Athlete Awards Utah has had 13 players combine for a total of 21 ITA Scholar-Athlete awards, including eight two-time honorees. Winners not pictured below include Stephanie Ball (1992, ‘93), Anna Svedenhov (1998), Rachel Alder (2003, ‘04), Maria Tove Svensson (2003), Janessa Jackson (2004), Jessica Watts (2004) and Cinthia Saucedo (2005). In order to earn ITA Scholar-Athlete status a player must meet the following criteria: 1.) be a varsity letter winner, 2.) have a grade point average of at least 3.50 (on a 4.00 scale) for the current academic year, and 3.) have been enrolled at their present school for at least 2 semesters (including freshman through senior year).

Alison Bradford 1992, ‘93

18

UTAHUTES.COM

Linda Engblom 1997, ‘98

Sheri Esrock 2002, ‘03

Alison Hansen-Sine 2004, ‘05

Jennifer Jensen 1993, ‘94

Megan Payne Dorny 1999, 2000


2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

ECCLES TENNIS CENTER (OUTDOOR) Utah now has an exclusive home for both indoor and outdoor play at the George S. Eccles Center’s outdoor tennis courts at 550 S. Guardsman Way (1580 E.). The privately-funded $2.5 million project was spearheaded by a $1 million challenge grant from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation and a $250,000 grant from the Lawrence T. and Janet D. Dee Foundation. The six outdoor courts have a Plexipave Acrylic surface--the same surface used at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and the Australian Open and known worldwide for its consistent speed of play, true ball bounce, durability, low maintenance and long-lasting colors. Each court will be marked with four-inch ATP standard baselines and equipped with an electronic scoreboard and an eight-foot ATP standard umpire chair. Between the center courts, there will be covered chair-back seating for 388, restrooms and storage space.

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

19


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

ECCLES TENNIS CENTER (INDOOR) The George S. Eccles Tennis Center also include Utah’s indoor playing facility. The center, located southeast of Rice-Eccles Stadium, helped bring Utah’s tennis program to the forefront of the collegiate tennis world. The Eccles Tennis Center features eight courts and a seating capacity of 1,500. It also contains men’s and women’s locker rooms, and has designated dressing rooms for both home and visiting teams. ETC’s most recent renovation was the addition of a players’ loung, featuring leather sofas, a flat-screen television and a study area. The lounge provides Utah’s men’s and women’s tennis athletes with an area to study, relax and socialize off the court.

20

UTAHUTES.COM

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE


2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

SALT LAKE CITY The Best City

From being rated the fifth-best city for the next decade by Kiplingler’s Personal Finance Magazine to the best hiking city in America by National Geographic, Salt Lake City has something for everyone.

Home to the University of Utah and the state’s capital city, Salt Lake City blends the amenities of a major metropolitan area with beautiful natural surroundings. Featuring the 11,000-foot peaks of the Wasatch Mountains to the east, as well as the Oquirrh Mountains and the Great Salt Lake to the west, Salt Lake City is surrounded by majestic views in all directions. Its metro area ranks in the top 50 in the United States with a population of 1.2 million. LIVING IN SALT LAKE Salt Lake City has been rated one of the top 10 most exciting mid-sized cities and ranks among the nation’s top cities for literacy rate, percentage of high school graduates and percentage of college-educated citizens. Salt Lake is the largest city in the state with 189,314 residents according to 2012 census figures. The ethnic population is the metro area is 35 percent. Salt Lake City has a moderate fourseason climate with an average 237 days of sunshine and 15% humidity. BUSINESS Salt Lake City was ranked as the “No. 5 Best City for the Next Decade” by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine in June 2010. In April 2013, Kiplinger’s ranked Salt Lake “Best City for New College Graduates” with 17 percent of its population in their 20s. It was named the third-best big city for jobs and fourth-best city for tech jobs by Forbes Magazine in May 2012. The magazine also recognized Utah as the “Best State for Business and Careers” for the third straight year in December 2012. ENTERTAINMENT Cultural and ethnic activities fl ourish in Salt Lake City and its vibrant downtown

features dining, shopping, music and ethnic festivals, art galleries, professional symphony, opera, theater and dance. Salt Lake City was host to the 2002 Winter Olympics. Opening and closing ceremonies and the athletes’ village were on the University of Utah campus. Salt Lake City joins forces with the nearby resort town of Park City to host the annual Sundance Film Festival. Professional sports provide yet another source of entertainment. Professional franchises in Salt Lake City include the Utah Jazz of the NBA and Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer. Other pro franchises are the Salt Lake Bees baseball) and the Utah Grizzlies (hockey). OUTDOOR RECREATION Some of the best skiing, fl y fi shing, backpacking, mountain biking, rock climbing and river running found anywhere in the world is easily accessible. Seven major ski resorts are within a 30-minute drive from downtown. Salt Lake City’s Cottonwood Canyon was ranked fi fth and Park City fourth in USA Today’s Best Ski Destination poll in December 2013. Other honors include “one of the top 10 mountain-biking cities in North America” by Singletracks.com in March 2014 and “America’s best hiking city” by National Geographic in May 2012. Ten national parks are within a day’s drive. TRANSPORTATION Salt Lake International Airport, a Delta Airlines and hub, is located just 20 minutes from campus and offers direct fl ights to 92 U.S. cities. It led the nation in both on-time departures and arrivals for the sixth time in the last 10 years in 2013. TRAX light rail provides access to downtown Salt Lake, the University of Utah, the airport and many of the suburbs.

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

21


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

SNAPSHOT OF THE U.

Founded in 1850 Research I University Top 100 world ranking 190 majors (undergraduate/graduate) 2007 Nobel Prize winner Mario Cappechi

THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH

Founded in 1850, the University of Utah prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. The U. encompasses 1,500 acres in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountain range. Utah became a member of the Pac-12 Conference on July 1, 2011. A Top 100 University

Among the U’s nationallyranked programs are law, pharmacy, mathematics, business, biomedical engineering, family medicine, entertainment arts and engineering.

22

With an enrollment of over 32,000, the U. offers 100 undergraduate and more than 90 graduate level fi elds of study. It has earned a top-tier grading from the Academic Ranking of World Universities for 10 consecutive years, and off ers nationally-ranked programs in law, pharmacy, mathematics, business, biomedical engineering, family medicine, entertainment arts and engineering. The U. was rated as one of the nation’s 100 best values in public education by Kiplinger’s Personal Finance in 2013.

MEDICINE University of Utah Health Care was named one of the “100 Great Hospitals in America” in 2013, and in 2012 ranked among the top 10 academic medical centers in the nation for the third year running. The Utah Genome Project is one of several innovative medical research programs at the U. Other notable programs include the Huntsman Cancer Institute, the Clinical Neurosciences Center and the Moran Eye Center.

BUSINESS SCHOOL The David Eccles School of Business’ undergraduate program was ranked No. 47 by U.S. News & World Report in 2014, rising 25 spots from the previous year. It also placed in the top RESEARCH 25 for entrepreneurship for the third straight year by the Princeton Review. The Executive The University of Utah ranks among the top public research universities in the nation. From universitydeveloped technology, the U. has launched nearly 130 new startups over the and Professional MBA programs were top-40 rated by Bloomberg Businessweek last year. LAW SCHOOL last seven years, consistently placing it in the top three in the nation for university startup The S.J. Quinney College of Law was ranked second in the nation, just behind Yale Law creation. School, for student clinical opportunities according to data compiled by National Jurist Geneticist Mario R. Capecchi received the 2007 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his work on gene targeting. Peter J. Stang, distinguished professor of chemistry, received magazine in January 2014. the 2013 Priestley Medal and 2011 National Medal of Science for his pioneering work in CAMPUS LIFE supramolecular chemistry. A lively residential living experience is provided in the beautiful Heritage Commons, TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTER SCIENCES In 2013, the U.’s entertainment arts and engineering program was ranked fi rst in the country. The University’s School of Computing was founded in 1965, and began a pioneering legacy in computer graphics and visualization that continues today. The internationallyrecognized Scientific Computing & Imaging Institute is a leader in creating new scientific computing techniques, tools and systems to help solve wide-ranging challenges of human life.

UTAHUTES.COM

which served as the Athletes Village for the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. The Donna Garff Marriott Honors Residential Scholars Community opened in September 2012, while the George S. Eccles Student Life Center is set to open in December 2014. The Lassonde Studios will open in the fall of 2016, housing student entrepreneurs in a living-learning space. The U. is home to the state’s natural history and fine arts museums, and well as premier concert and theater venues: Kingsbury Hall, Libby Gardner Hall, Pioneer Memorial Theater, and Red Butte Garden.


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Dr. Chris Hill

Administration 1987-present: Director of Athletics 1998-present: Special Assistant to the President

SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT - 28TH YEAR Just 37 years old when he was appointed as Utah’s director of athletics, Chris Hill, Ph.D., has spent the last 27 years developing the school’s athletics department into one of national prominence. He was instrumental in Utah’s invitaƟ on to join the Pac-12 Conference in the summer of 2010, a move preceded by the football team’s historic BCS appearances in the 2004 and 2008 seasons. Utah has won nine NCAA team championships during Hill’s tenure—five by the ski team and four by the gymnastics team—and has finished as the national runner-up 15 times. Those runner-up fi nishes include a No. 2 national ranking by the football team after its victory over Alabama in the 2009 Sugar Bowl, and by the 1998 men’s basketball team. He has hired three coaches who won National Coach of the Year honors at Utah: football coaches Urban Meyer (2004) and Kyle Whitingham (2008), and men’s basketball coach Rick Majerus (1998). Hill has served on several national boards, including the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Commitee (2004-09), chair of the NCAA Championships/Compeptition on Cabinet (1997-98) and the NCAA Management Council Administrative Commitee. He was on NACDA’s executive commitee from 2002-06. The football program, which had not played in a bowl game since 1964 prior to Hill’s appointment as athletics director, is 12-4

in bowl games during his term. Utah’s other athletic programs have also thrived under his leadership. The men’s basketball team has played in 13 NCAA Tournaments—advancing to the Sweet 16 five times and the Elite Eight twice. In 1998, the Runnin’ Utes advanced to the NCAA Championship game against Kentucky. The women’s basketball team has 15 NCAA appearances, playing in the Sweet 16 twice and the Elite Eight in 2006, and was the 2013 WNIT runner-up. The gymnastics team has made 18 NCAA Super Six appearances while qualifying for the NCAA Championships all 27 years of Hill’s tenure as AD—and the ski team has finished first or second in the nation 14 times under his watch. He has received a number of awards, including: 2011 National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Under Armour West Region Athletic Director of the Year, finalist for the 2011 Athletic Director of the Year by SportsBusiness Journal and SportsBusiness Daily, 2011 Utah YMCA Man of the Year, 2004 Mountain West Conference’s Commissioner’s Award, 1981 Milton Bennion Fellowship, 1984 Utah Recreation Therapy Association Outstanding Service award and 1996 Utah MS Sportsperson of the Year. The former Rutgers’ basketball captain was inducted into the Jersey Shore Hall of Fame in 1998. In 2001, the National Consortium for Academics and Sports awarded him its Degree Completion and Outreach and Community Service Honor Award. He currently serves on the Catholic Community Services Board of Directors. The New Jersey native has served in five capacites at the U., starting in 1973-74 as a graduate assistant basketball coach on Bill Foster’s staff . After coaching boys’ basketball at Salt Lake’s Granger High from 1975-79 (he was

the 1975 4A Coach of the Year), Hill returned to the U. as an assistant coach to Jerry Pimm (197981). From 1983-85, he taught in the University’s special education department before coming back to athletics as the Crimson Club director (1985-86). In 1987, he became the director of athletics. Hill was the executive director of United Cerebral Palsy of Utah from 1981-85, during which time he developed a housing project for people with severe physical disabilities. As an undergraduate, Hill won three letters in basketball at Rutgers and co-captained the 1971-72 team. His bachelor’s degree from Rutgers is in math education (1972). He holds a master’s in education (Utah, 1974), and a Ph.D. in educational administration (Utah, 1982). His wife Kathy, a faculty member in the U.’s Department of Special Education in severe disabiilities, received the 2010 College of Education Service Award and the 2012 ASUU Student Choice Award for Excellence in Teaching. They have two children, Aly and Christopher; two granddaughters, Addie and Lily, and a grandson, Jack. Aly played soccer for the University of Oregon and has a master’s degree in social work from Utah. She teaches students with severe disabilities in the Salt Lake City School District. Christopher has a bachelor’s degree in organizational communication and a law degree from the U.’s S.J. Quinney School of Law. He is employed by ESPN and is married to Darci Motoki, who received her B.A. in psychology and philosophy from Boston College and her M.A. in psychology from Claremont University. She is a consultant for Accenture.

Highlights Football

Bowl Record BCS Bowl Record Conference Champion

Men’s Basketball

NCAA Tournament NCAA Final Four Elite Eight Sweet 16 Conference Champion

Women’s Gymnastics NCAA Champion NCAA Runner-up NCAA Super Six

12-4 2-0 5 times 13 times 1998 (runner-up) 1997, ’98 1991, ’96, ’97, ’98, ’05 12 times 1990, ’92, ’94, ’95 2000, ‘06, ‘07, ‘08 18 times

Women’s Basketball NCAA Tournament NCAA Elite Eight NCAA Sweet Sixteen Conference Champion

Skiing

NCAA Champion NCAA Runner-Up

15 times 2006 2001, 2006 10 times 1988, ’93, ’96, ’97, ’03 9 times

Volleyball

NCAA Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament

Softball

College World Series NCAA Tournament

Soccer

NCAA Tournament

Baseball

NCAA Tournament

2001, 2008 12 times 1991, ’94 11 times 6 times 2009

Hill’s Facility Legacy George S. Eccles Tennis Center (1989) Ute Baseball Field (1994) Volleyball Crimson Court (1994) Ute Soccer Field (1995) Rice-Eccles Stadium (1998) Dumke Gymnastics Center (1998) Burbidge Athletics Academic Center (2001) Spence Eccles Field House (2004) Alex Smith Strength & Conditioning Center (2009) McCarthey Family Track & Field Complex (2010) McCarthey Football Practice Fields (2012) Ute Softball Stadium (2013) Spence and Cleone Eccles Football Center (2013) Jon M. & Karen Huntsman Basketball Center (2015)

WWW.UTAHUTES.COM

23


UTAH WOMEN’S TENNIS

David W. Pershing, Ph.D UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT - 3RD YEAR David W. Pershing proudly celebrates more than three decades of service to the University of Utah. Named Utah’s 15th President in 2012, President Pershing serves as the university’s chief executive leading a diverse team of faculty and staff at one of the world’s top research universities. President Pershing joined the University of Utah as an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1977. He was named a Presidential Young Investigator by the National Science Foundation in 1984, became Dean of the College of Engineering in 1987, and named a Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1995. In 1998, Dr. Pershing was named Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs responsible for approximately 1,000 faculty and 25,000 students in the colleges of the main campus. Now as President, Dr. Pershing continues his commitment to the undergraduate experience with new initiatives and programs aimed at enriching academic excellence on campus. A gifted teacher and prolific researcher, President Pershing is the recipient of the University of Utah’s Distinguished Teaching and Distinguished Research Awards and the U’s Rosenblatt Prize for Excellence. He has authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications, won more than 20 research grants totaling approximately $60 million, and earned five patents. He was named Engineering Educator of the Year by the Utah Engineering Council in 2002 and is a winner of the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology. He was director of the University of Utah’s Center for Simulation of Accidental Fires and Explosions, fueled by a $40 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. President Pershing holds a bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and a Ph.D. from the University of Arizona, both in chemical engineering.

24

UTAHUTES.COM

President David W. Pershing spoke at the Utah Athletics “Invest in Excellence” kickoff event in 2012

2015-16 MEDIA GUIDE

Athletics Department Senior Staff

Kristine Gross

Executive Assistant to the Athletics Director

Manny Hendrix

Ann Argust

Assistant A.D./ Marketing

Steve Pyne

Assistant A.D./ Major Gifts-Athletic Relations

Director of Event and Facility Operations

Kyle Brennan

Kate Charipar

Special Assistant to the Athletics Director

Assistant A.D./ Compliance

Liz Abel

Sr. Associate A.D./ Communications

Nona Richardson

Sr. Associate A.D./ Student Support Services/SWA

Steve Smith

Chief Financial Officer

Karen Paisley Faculty Athletic Representative


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.