Rohnert Park, Ca -  Longtime Women's Tennis Coach and mentor Joaquin Lopez has decided to step away from the court after 9 successful seasons at SSU.  Lopez took over as the Head Coach in 2011 and led the team into the top ten in the West Region each year.  He was named ITA Division II West Region Coach of the Year in both 2014 and 2016.

"I am deeply grateful for all the support, respect, and connection I have received from my players," Lopez said recently.  "It has been a privilege to witness their unfoldment into incredible human beings through the sport of tennis. I am really proud to what we have been able to accomplish these years...a unique tennis program combining personal growth and high performance." 

He turns the reigns over to capable hands, as assistant coach Rafael Martinez will become the interim Head Coaching for the 2020 spring season.  Martinez has served as the assistant to both the Men's and Women's teams at Sonoma State for the past three seasons.  Rafa began his coaching career at his alma mater, after graduating from Holy Names University,  He was the team captain there for three years and the Male Athlete of the Year in 2015.

Martinez is honored to follow in Joaquin's footsteps, "For our family, here at Sonoma State, it is really hard to see our greatest leader (Joaquin) of the team leave. I don't believe someone can ever lead and create an impact on player's lives as much as he has done in his career. I feel really fortunate that he believes in myself as a leader and as a coach to keep building this program and I will do my best to make him and my team proud. We are ready to keep making history."