Texas Tech University Athletics
Melissa Kopinski Joins Women’s Tennis Coaching Staff
October 11, 2018 | Women's Tennis
Former volunteer assistant coach returns to Lubbock
LUBBOCK, Texas – Melissa Kopinski will return to Texas Tech as an assistant coach for the 2018-19 season, Women's Tennis Head Coach Todd Petty announced.
"We are excited to have Melissa rejoin our staff," Petty said. "She has a passion for collegiate tennis and really connects well with the student athletes. I know she will have a great impact on this team."
Kopinski returns to the South Plains after spending one seasons 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.
"I couldn't be more excited to join the Red Raider Family," Kopinski said. "I have so much respect for Todd and what he has accomplished with this program. I am looking forward to what's to come this season."
Prior to Illinois, Kopinski spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach with the Lady Raiders under Petty. She was a part of the 2016-17 Big 12 Championship team.
Kopinski played at Illinois and 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 Championship quarterfinals en route to 28 victories which checks in as the seventh-most in program history for a single season. They ended the season ranked No. 15 in the nation and No. 2 in the Midwest Region. Previously, the last time Illinois had an ITA All-American was in 1993.
Off the court, Kopinski was a Midwest Region ITA/Arthur Ashe Jr. Sportsmanship and Leadership Award recipient. She also was named an ITA Scholar Athlete, Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree during her career.
Kopinski earned her Bachelor of Science degree in community health with a concentration in health planning and administration in 2015. Her twin brother, Tim, also was an ITA All-American tennis player at Illinois from 2012-15.
"We are excited to have Melissa rejoin our staff," Petty said. "She has a passion for collegiate tennis and really connects well with the student athletes. I know she will have a great impact on this team."
Kopinski returns to the South Plains after spending one seasons 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.
"I couldn't be more excited to join the Red Raider Family," Kopinski said. "I have so much respect for Todd and what he has accomplished with this program. I am looking forward to what's to come this season."
Prior to Illinois, Kopinski spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach with the Lady Raiders under Petty. She was a part of the 2016-17 Big 12 Championship team.
Kopinski played at Illinois and 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 Championship quarterfinals en route to 28 victories which checks in as the seventh-most in program history for a single season. They ended the season ranked No. 15 in the nation and No. 2 in the Midwest Region. Previously, the last time Illinois had an ITA All-American was in 1993.
Off the court, Kopinski was a Midwest Region ITA/Arthur Ashe Jr. Sportsmanship and Leadership Award recipient. She also was named an ITA Scholar Athlete, Big Ten Distinguished Scholar and Big Ten Sportsmanship honoree during her career.
Kopinski earned her Bachelor of Science degree in community health with a concentration in health planning and administration in 2015. Her twin brother, Tim, also was an ITA All-American tennis player at Illinois from 2012-15.
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