contents · the wall street journal credited then president dr. miguel nevarez with creating a...

CONTENTS 2 Quick Facts 3 Orville Cox Tennis Center 4 Strength and Conditioning Facility 5 Victory Center 6 The University 9 UTRGV Athletics Success10 2016 NCAA Tournament Team12 Women's Tennis History22 Campus Life25 The Rio Grande Valley27 UTRGV Leadership28 Athletic Leadership30 The Western Athletic Conference

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UNIVERSITY INFORMATIONLocation Edinburg, TexasMailing Address 1201 W. University Dr. Edinburg, TX 78539Founded 2015Enrollment 28,584Nickname VaquerosSchool Colors Orange and GrayStadium Orville Cox Tennis CenterCapacity 300National Affiliation NCAA Division IConference Western Athletic Conference

President Dr. Guy BaileyDirector of Athletics Chris KingSenior Woman Administrator Farrah MantheiAthletics Office Phone 956-665-2221Athletics Office Fax 956-665-2261Athletics Website GoUTRGV.com

Athletics Media Relations Manager Danny ElizondoSID Email [email protected] Office Phone (956) 665-2599SID Office Fax (956) 665-2261

QUICK FACTSCOACHING STAFFHead Coach Sonia HahnAlma Mater Kentucky, ‘89Career Record (Years) 332-228 (22nd Season)Record at UTRGV (Years) 14-9, Third Season

PROGRAM INFORMATIONFirst Year 1985All-Time Record 228-360-1 (.387)All-Time Home Record 81-48-1 (.626)All-Time Road Record 63-210 (.230)All-Time Neutral Site Record 82-111 (.425)2018 Record 14-9 (.609)2018 WAC Record 5-0 (1.000)2018 Home Record 10-0 (1.000)2018 Road Record 2-8 (.200)2018 Neutral Site Record 2-1 (.667)Letter Winners Returning/Lost 3/3Newcomers 5

Credits: The 2018 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Women's Tennis Information Guide was produced by the staff of the UTRGV Athletics Communications Office. The publication was written and edited by Danny Elizondo.

@GoUTRGVUTRGVAthletics GoUTRGVAthleticsGoUTRGV

3 2015-16 UTRGV WOMEN'S TENNIS

Located on the southeast side of campus, the Orville Cox Tennis Center is the home of the UTRGV men's and women's tennis teams. The Orville Cox Tennis Center received a $225,000 complete renovation in the summer of 2012, including the resurfacing of the courts, new fences, new windscreens, new walkways, and a new entrance.

Built in 1958, the Orville Cox Tennis Center is named after a McAllen attorney and former President of the Pan American College Board of Regents. A member of the school's athletics Hall of Honor, Cox is known as the father of tennis at the University for his almost single-handed procurement of the construction of the then $75,000 facilitiy with a cost to Pan American College of only $3,000.

The Orville Cox Tennis Center has six tennis courts available and a main bleacher capacity of 300.

ORVILLE COX TENNIS CENTER

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STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

In 2014, athletics moved into a new 3,000 square-foot area strength & conditioning facility, and in 2015, with the help of donors, UTRGV Athletics purchased brand new speed and strength equipment, as well as free weight and aerobic/cardio equipment. UTRGV Athletics also acquired new power racks, platforms, benches and dumbbells.

The strength and conditioning facility is exclusively for UTRGV student-athletes.

LUCAS MONROE

HEAD STRENGTH ANDCONDITIONING COACH

ERIC SPARKS

ASSISTANT STRENGTH ANDCONDITIONING COACH


VICTORY CENTER

For today’s student-athletes, training and conditioning is a year-round commitment. Balancing the rigors of competing at the collegiate level with the demands of the classroom is one of the greatest challenges our student-athletes face. That is why it is so essential that the department of intercollegiate athletics provides our student-athletes with access to hands-on academic support.

Located in the Academic Services Building, the Victory Center is an integral part of the life of our student-athletes and has a vast amount of services and assistance available.

The Victory Center is structured after the principles of the NCAA CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, which is created to provide student-athletes with five basic components: Academic Excellence, Athletic Excellence, Community Service, Career Development and Personal Development.

UTRGV has approximately 275 student-athletes, including approximately 150 freshmen and transfers, who are required to attend study hall and specially designed workshops that assist them in acclimating to college life and living away from home. Student-athletes must dedicate anywhere from six to 10 hours each week to study hall as they work toward their ultimate goal, graduation.

The Victory Center provides student-athletes access to computers, tutors and other resources. The Victory Center, which is open six days a week (Sunday-Friday), houses a computer lab, a learning lab, areas for both individual and group study, and offices for the Academic Advisement Center staff.

Each student-athlete works with their college advisor to make sure that they are enrolled in the correct classes to graduate. The Victory Center staff verifies the classes to ensure that the student- athlete is working towards their degree, making yearly satisfactory progress and meeting grade point average requirements.

BRENDA CODALLO

Assistant Athletic Director for Academic Services

LETTY HERNANDEZ

Student-Athlete Advisor

ALEX MENA


TBD


LAUREN HICKEY-GARCIA

Coordinator forStudent-Athlete Services

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THE UNIVERSITY

A New University with a Long HistoryThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) was created by the Texas Legislature in 2013 as the first major public university of the 21st century in Texas. This transformative initiative provided the opportunity to expand educational opportunities in the Rio Grande Valley, including a new School of Medicine, and made it possible for residents of the region to benefit from the Permanent University Fund – a public endowment contributing support to the University of Texas System and other institutions. UTRGV has campuses and off-campus research and teaching sites throughout the Rio Grande Valley including in Boca Chica Beach, Brownsville (formerly The University of Texas at Brownsville campus), Edinburg (formerly The University of Texas-Pan American campus), Harlingen, McAllen, Port Isabel, Rio Grande City, and South Padre Island.

UTRGV, a comprehensive academic institution, enrolled its first class in the fall of 2015, and the School of Medicine welcomed its first class in the summer of 2016.

UT Brownsville and UT Pan AmericanThe shared history of The University of Texas-Pan American and The University of Texas at Brownsville goes back to 1973, when Pan American opened a second campus in Brownsville, which later became an independent institution of The University of Texas System in 1991. Over the years, the missions and the identities of these great institutions have continually evolved to serve the communities of the Rio Grande Valley.


CREATING AMERICA'S NEXT GREAT UNIVERSITY

1927-33Edinburg College was founded as a two-year

community college governed by the Edinburg School District. The original building housed 200 students and today is listed as a historical site in the city of

Edinburg, the county seat for Hidalgo County.

1933-48Edinburg Junior College, as the only institution of higher learning in South Texas, experienced

rapid growth in its early years, prompting administrators to pursue the first name change.

1948-52Edinburg Regional College was moved from

the original four-acre site to a 186-acre campus a few blocks west. During the 1950s

and 60s, the campus was purchased in parcels at a cost of $677,000.

OUR STORY

In the Fall of 2015, the landscape of higher education in the U.S. was forever changed. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley enrolled its inaugural class of first-year students, and this region now shines to the rest of the world as a global leader in higher education, bilingual education, health education, biomedical research, and emerging technology.

UTRGV combined the talent, assets, and resources of UT Brownsville, UT Pan American, and the Regional Academic Health Center, along with other resources, to create a new model of excellence in education. Here is the story of this significant journey:

Students enrolled at UT Brownsville and UT Pan American were automatically admitted to UTRGV.

Eleven colleges and schools formed the academic foundation for UTRGV, including:

•College of Medicine•College of Health Affairs•College of Sciences•College of Liberal Arts•College of Fine Arts•College of Engineering and Computer Science•College of Business and Entrepreneurship•College of Education and P-16 Integration•Honors College•Graduate College•University College

Every accomplishment in life begins with a choice. The bigger the choice, the bigger the accomplishment. When it comes to your potential, your goals, and your future, choosing the right university is as big as it gets.

At UTRGV, we offer a learning experience that we believe cannot be matched.

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1952-71Pan American College made its transformation from a junior college to a four-year university in the early 1950s. The name

Pan American was selected to reflect the institution’s desire to bridge the cultures of North and South America and to reflect

the cultural and ethnic diversity of the university.

1971-89Pan American University saw the student population diversify during the 1970s, reflecting a predominantly Mexican-American population.

The Wall Street Journal credited then President Dr. Miguel Nevarez with creating a Hispanic middle class for the South Texas region.

In 1973, PAU began to expand, opening a campus in Brownsville.

1989-2015The University of Texas-Pan American was

established in 1989 after the successful and historic merger of Pan American University with the

University of Texas System.In 1991, the Brownsville campus formed a separate

instiution, the University of Texas at Brownsville.

UTRGV LIBRARY

A Commitment to Academic Excellence

Our more than 120 undergraduate and graduate programs will let you find the major that fits your goals. Our accomplished faculty will form mentoring relationships with you. Our programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) offer ideal preparation for success in a broad range of emerging fields.

An Ideal Pathway to Career Success

We know that the top priority of our students and their families is career success. No matter what professional field you’re pursuing, at UTRGV we have the expert, individualized instruction, the facilities, the real-world technology and training, and the industry connections that will get you there.

A Location in the Gateway to the Americas

The Rio Grande Valley, with close proximity to the Gulf Coast, provides unparalleled opportunities to study in areas ranging from international business and cultural border issues to marine biology and environmental science. With the SpaceX launch site planned in Brownsville, the region is also an emerging global hub for the aerospace industry.

A Bilingual, Bicultural, Biliterate Education

We are the second largest Hispanic-serving institution in the nation, with an emphasis on educating 21st-century leaders and professionals who are culturally fluent and have a deep understanding of the perspectives, languages, and values of different cultures.

A Hub for Innovation and Emerging Technology

Our students find daily opportunities to innovate and collaborate with faculty and global leaders in industry, business, medicine, science, education, and technology. Our facilities, such as the Coastal Studies Lab, Center for Biomedical Studies, Center for Excellence in STEM Education, and many others offer distinctive opportunities for student research.

A 21st-Century School of Medicine

Our School of Medicine offers students the most technologically advanced resources, including a 15,000-square-foot Smart Hospital complex. With a multidisciplinary approach to the curriculum and an emphasis on active learning, teamwork, and early patient care, the School of Medicine is an invaluable resource.

A University for the Valley

There’s a special kind of pride among the people of the Rio Grande Valley. With campuses and locations in Brownsville, Edinburg, McAllen, Harlingen, and Rio Grande City, a central aspect of our founding mission is to serve our families and communities. From providing first-rate health care, to improving our K-12 schools, to helping local businesses thrive, UTRGV is about making life better for everyone.

PresentThe UT System Board of Regents approved a

proposal to create UTRGV on Dec. 6, 2012. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor

Rick Perry on June 14, 2013. UTRGV received accrediation on Sept. 1, 2015.


UTRGV ATHLETICS: RICH IN TRADITION AND HISTORY

COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS BY STUDENT-ATHLETES in 2017-18

3.18 AVERAGE STUDENT-ATHLETE GPA2,000+

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2016 NCAA TOURNAMENT TEAM

The women’s tennis team was coming off of a very good 2015 spring season but they made the 2016 spring season one for the history books.

After making it to the championship match in the Western Athletic Conference Tournament in 2015, their goal was to get back there once again in 2016 but this time come away with the championship.

Well UTRGV accomplished that goal in the spring of 2016, as it became the first team in the department to win a WAC tournament championship and clinch an automatic berth into an NCAA Championship-level event with a 4-2 win over New Mexico State.

Every team goes through their ups and downs throughout the season but it is all about how you handle them. The Vaqueros made sure they handled their business to get to their goal.

“The spring season always has many ups and downs,” Vaqueros head coach Stephanie Wooten-Quijada said. “I think we handled them well and never lost sight of our goal, which was to win the conference tournament. The girls stayed focused and competed hard, which allowed us to achieve our goal.”

A great example of handling those ups and downs came at the beginning of the season. After opening the season with a pair of losses, the squad regrouped and picked up a 4-3 win over the University of Maryland Baltimore County, a team they had lost to the year before.

They picked up wins against Texas A&M-Kingsville and Prairie View A&M before starting WAC play. Things were looking up for the Vaqueros as they started conference play and that was when coach Wooten-Quijada realized that the season could turn into something special.

“Coming in as a new coach, it was one of the first things I talked about with the team,” Wooten-Quijada said. “I think the key was making sure they believed they could win. Once we started WAC play I knew if we competed hard and kept a positive attitude, we had a chance to make history.”

The Vaqueros opened conference play with a loss to New Mexico State but won back-to-back matches with wins over Chicago State and Missouri-Kansas City. They would close out conference play with a loss to Grand Canyon and a win over Seattle U.

Senior Reegan Greenwood, sophomore Doris Aleksovska and freshman Tara Donaho each earned All-WAC Second Team honors with Donaho also taking home WAC Freshman of the Year honors.

Donaho and Aleksovska were a part of a group of newcomers that played a big role in the team’s success in 2016. Donaho finished with a team-high 14 singles victories while Aleksovska finished with 13. Freshman Dominique Ibarra was also part of that group as she recorded 11 victories of her own. Donaho and Aleksovska finished WAC play with 4-1 records while Ibarra finished 3-2.

“They wanted to win for UTRGV,” Wooten-Quijada said. “They were proud to be a UTRGV student-athlete. Even though they were young and maybe lacking experience, they suited up in their uniform and they wanted to represent the University


they were young and maybe lacking experience, they suited up in their uniform and they wanted to represent the University well in every match. They competed every time they went out there and without their desire, our goals couldn’t have been accomplished.”

Greenwood also finished with 11 singles victories as she put a bow on a career that saw her move up on the all-time career singles victories list. With her 11 wins, she finished with 54 career victories, which ranks her fourth in program history.

Greenwood didn’t just take care of business on the court as she and fellow senior Julia Perez set the example off the court for a young team that featured three sophomores and two freshmen.

The seniors leave behind a legacy that can be passed along throughout future Vaqueros.

“They had a huge impact on our team this year,” Wooten-Quijada said. “They kept the girls calm during competition and they led by example. They have helped build the culture that I want for our team and now the newcomers know what to teach the incoming players. That is how culture is built and I am excited for the future of this program.”

After going 3-2 in conference play, the Vaqueros earned the No. 3 seed in the WAC Tournament. They defeated Missouri-Kansas City for the second time this season before heading to the historic championship match against New Mexico State.

The championship clinched the program’s first-ever trip to the NCAA Tournament where a matchup against the top-seeded California Bears. Even though they fell 0-4 to the Bears, the Vaqueros can walk away from their trip to Berkeley, California with valuable learning experience.

“There is nothing more valuable than the experience of playing the best,” Wooten-Quijada said. “I think they will learn from our trip to California and now they can use that experience to better our program in the future.”

The 2016 spring season now sets the standard for the program for the future. The goal was always to win the WAC Tournament and with the core of the squad returning for next season the goal is to keep moving the program forward.

“I think our goal was to always win the WAC and go play in the NCAA Tournament,” Wooten-Quijada said. “Now we keep trying to better our program by putting ourselves in the position to win WAC titles and going deep in the NCAA Tournament.”

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AAleksovska, Doris 2015-PresentAmsallem, Christel 2013-16Andersen, Malin 2009-12

BBarrera, Barbara 1988-90Barron, Elaine 2013-14Barto, Katherine 2005Bedeau, Megan 2006-10Beguelin, Wanda 2010-14Belyaeva, Anastasia 2016-18Borsos, Heather 2013-14Boskovich, Laura 2003Bowley, Karen 1995-98Breen, Alana 2001-04Brown, Jessica 2001-03Buksik, Silke 2005-08Burton, Sara 2006-10Burobina, Anastasia 2012-13Butler, Kim 1990-92

CCantu, Luisa 2006-10Cantu, Rosa 1987-88Cirne-Lima, Julia 2006-08Chavez, Jessica 2004Chrastecka, Lucie 2012-13Corkill, Katie 1998-99

DDaugherty, Faye 1994Darzyan, Marine 2016-PresentDavila, Cindy 1986De Bourqueney, Marine 2006De La Fuente, Rosie 1986De Luna, Laura 1994-95Donaho, Tara 2016

EEscalona, Cristel 1995-97Esparza, Dominique 2015-18Estacio, Gigi 1990-92

FFatchikova, Didi 2012-14Fernandez, Gladys 1996-98Fernandez, Maria 2000Fife, Julie 2001-03

GGarcia, Nicole 2005-07Garcia, Sagnite 1999Garza, Sylvia 1994Getchell, Kristine 1998-00Gonzalez, Claudia 1994-95Gonzalez, Laura 1990-92Gonzalez, Natalie 2004Goodell, Cassie 1986Greenwood, Reegan 2012-16Guardia, Amanda 2016-17Guzman, Melissa 2001

HHardiman, Michelle 1992Hedinger, Vanessa 2004Hernandez, Selma 1994

IIbarra, Dominique 2015-PresentIzaguirre, Blanca Garcia 2010-12

JJackard, Jill 1986

LLavrijssen, Manon 2012-13Le Biavant, Lison 2014-15Leclere, Chloe 2016-17Lopez, Monica 2005

MMabulac, Sheila 2005MacIssac, Gail 1989-90Martinez, Denise 2001Martinez, Yvette 1997-98Mateos, Elisabet 2002-03Meyer, Mary Jane 1987-90Merlini, Celine 2002Minc, Natacha 2015-16Moraida, Lisa 1987Munoz, Cindy 1995-96Murphy, Robin 1994

NNanez, Jessica 2005Nazarova, Dana 2010-13Nelissen, Ellen 1991-92, 94-95

Nickleson, Eve 2002

OOliveira, Giana 2006-08

PPatnaik, Lasya 2017-18Pena, Ana 2002-05Perez, Julia 2012-16Pentsova, Daria 2015

RRaty, Reetta 2009-11Ranzahuer, Mariana 2013-2015Reetz, Chris 1986-89Reyes, Amanda 2001Rivera Erica 2004Rodriguez, Linda 2001Rodriguez, Rachel 1992Roziers, Natalie 1991

SSaenz, Angela 2004-05Sands, Cindy 2011-12Salvetova, Andrea 2009-10Sanchez, Erica 1995-98Sanchez, Jessica 1995-97Silenzy, Monica 1986Sloan, Elysia 2003-06Stachova, Stanislava 2013-14Stavroulaki, Katia 2013-15Strkic, Sunica 2010-12

TThal, Alicia 2017-PresentTranberg, Emma Louise 2017-18Trujillo, Camilla 2015

VViljoen, Yvette 1996Villarreal, Mireya 2001Viloria, Leah 1987-88, 91Voss, Sarah 2001

WWaslen, Kathryn 2002-03Webster, Tania 1987-90Willerding, Stephanie 2006-09

All-Time Letter Winners

WOMEN'S TENNIS HISTORY


2017-18Team UTRGV Team Performance of the YearWAC Regular Season Champions

Dominique IbarraSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollFirst Team All-WAC singlesWAC Doubles Team of the Week (Mar. 6)WAC Doubles Team of the Week (Feb. 27)WAC Singles Player of the Week (Feb. 20)WAC Doubles Team of the Week (Feb. 13)Fall AD Honor Roll

Dominique EsparzaSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollSecond Team All-WAC doublesWAC Doubles Team of the Week (Mar. 27)WAC Doubles Team of the Week (Feb. 20)Fall AD Honor RollWAC Doubles Team of the Month (Oct.)

Marine DarzyanSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollWAC Doubles Team of the Week (Mar. 6)WAC Doubles Team of the Week (Feb. 27)WAC Doubles Team of the Week (Feb. 13)Fall AD Honor Roll

Anastasia BelyaevaSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollFirst Team All-WAC singlesFirst Team All-WAC doublesFall AD Honor Roll

Doris AleksovskaSpring AD Honor RollSecond Team All-WAC doublesWAC Doubles Team of the Week (Mar. 27)WAC Doubles Team of the Week (Feb. 20)

Lasya Patnaik Second Team All-WAC singlesFirst Team All-WAC doublesFall AD Honor RollWAC Doubles Team of the Month (Oct.)

Alicia ThalSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Emma Louise TranbergSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Head Coach Sonia Hahn WAC Coach of the Year

Leah Viloria Hampton Inducted into the UTRGV Hall of Fame

2016-17Anastasia BelyaevaFreshman and Transfers Academic All-WACSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Marine DarzyanFreshman and Transfers Academic All-WACSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Dominique EsparzaSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollWAC All-Tournament Singles TeamFall AD Honor Roll

Dominique IbarraSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollWestern Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week (Feb. 28)Fall AD Honor Roll

Chloe LeclereFreshman and Transfers Academic All-WACSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Amanda GuardiaSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Ellen Nelissen Inducted into the UTRGV Hall of Fame

All-Time Award Winners

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2015-16Team UTRGV AD Cup WinnerUTRGV Performance of the YearWAC Tournament Champions

Dominique IbarraFreshman and Transfers Academic All-WACSpring AD Honor RollWAC All-Tournament Doubles TeamWestern Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week (Apr. 12)Fall AD Honor Roll

Doris AleksovskaWAC All-Tournament Singles TeamWAC All-Tournament Doubles TeamSecond Team All-WAC singlesFall AD Honor Roll

Tara DonahoUTRGV Female Rookie of the YearWAC All-Tournament Singles TeamSecond Team All-WAC singlesWestern Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year

Reegan GreenwoodSpring AD Honor RollWAC All-Tournament Singles TeamSecond Team All-WAC singlesFall AD Honor Roll

Natacha MincSpring Academic All-WACSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Christel AmsallemSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Julia PerezSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Dominique EsparzaSpring AD Honor Roll

Darua PentsovaFall AD Honor Roll

2014-15Team ITA All-Academic TeamUTPA AD Cup WinnerUTPA Academic Team of the Year

Katia StavroulakiSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollWAC All-Tournament TeamFirst Team All-WAC singlesSecond Team All-WAC doublesFall AD Honor Roll

Reegan GreenwoodWAC All-Tournament TeamSecond Team All-WAC singlesSecond Team All-WAC doublesFall AD Honor Roll

Christel AmsallemITA Scholar AthleteSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Mariana RanzahuerITA Scholar AthleteSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Julia PerezSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Dominique EsparzaSpring AD Honor Roll

Lison Le BiavantFall AD Honor Roll

Natacha MincSpring AD Honor Roll


2013-14Team ITA All-Academic TeamUTPA Female Academic Team of the Year

Wanda Beguelin ITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceMs. BroncWomen's Athletic Fundraiser EndowmentWestern Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week (Jan. 21)Fall AD Honor Roll

Didi FatchikovaITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceWestern Athletic Conference Athlete of the Week (Feb. 25)Fall AD Honor Roll

Christel AmsallemITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceFall AD Honor Roll

Mariana RanzahuerITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollSpring Academic All-Western Athletic ConferenceFall AD Honor Roll

Eleaine BarronITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Heather BorsosITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Reegan GreenwoodSpring AD Honor RollUTPA Female Breakout Athlete of the YearSecond Team All-Western Athletic Conference Singles

Stanislava StachovaITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Katia StavroulakiSpring AD Honor RollSpring Academic All-Western Athletic Conference

Julia PerezSpring AD Honor Roll

2012-13Team ITA All-Academic TeamUTPA Female Academic Team of the YearUTPA Community Service Cup

Wanda Beguelin ITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor Roll Whataburger Endowed ScholarshipFall AD Honor Roll

Dana Nazarova ITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor Roll Coca Cola Endowed ScholarshipFall AD Honor Roll Anastasia Burobina ITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Lucie Chrastecka ITA Scholar Athlete Spring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Didi Fatchikova ITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Manon Lavrijssen ITA Scholar AthleteSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Julia Perez Spring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Reegan Greenwood Spring AD Honor Roll

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2011-12Team UTPA Female Academic Team of the Year

Wanda Beguelin All-Great West Conference Second TeamSpring Academic All-Great West ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Dana Nazarova All-Great West Conference Second TeamSpring Academic All-Great West ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Malin Andersen Spring Academic All-Great West ConferenceSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Blanca Garcia Izaguirre Spring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Suncica Strkic Spring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

2010-11Wanda Beguelin All-Great West Conference Second TeamSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Dana Nazarova All-Great West Conference First TeamSpring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Malin Andersen Spring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Reetta Raty Spring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Suncica Strkic Spring AD Honor RollFall AD Honor Roll

Zalina Nazarova Fall AD Honor Roll

2009-10Team Inaugural Great West Conference Champions

Nina Ciric Great West Conference Player of the YearGreat West Conference Newcomers of the YearAll-Great West Conference Tournament First Team

Megan Bedeau Great West Conference Player of the Week (March 19)All-Great West Conference Tournament Second Team

Sarah Burton All-Great West Conference Tournament First Team

Luisa Cantu All-Great West Conference Tournament First Team

2008-09 Team ITA All-Academic Team

Malin Andersen ITA Scholar Athlete

Sarah Burton ITA Scholar Athlete

Luisa Cantu ITA Scholar Athlete

Reetta Raty ITA Scholar Athlete

Andrea Salvetova ITA Scholar Athlete

Stephanie Willerding ITA Scholar Athlete

2007-08 Team Ranked 15th in Southwest Region

Silke Buksik First Team All-Independent Singles TeamFirst Team All-Independent Doubles TeamUTPA Female Student-Athlete of the Year

Megan Bedeau First Team All-Independent Singles TeamFirst Team All-Independent Doubles Team


Luisa Cantu First Team All-Independent Singles TeamFirst Team All-Independent Doubles Team

Julia Cirne-Lima First Team All-Independent Doubles TeamSecond Team All-Independent Singles Team

Stephanie Willerding First Team All-Independent Doubles TeamSecond Team All-Independent Singles Team

2006-07Team ITA All-Academic Scholar Team

Silke Buksik ITA Scholar AthleteAcademic All-Independent Team

Luisa Cantu ITA Scholar Athlete Stephanie Willerding ITA Scholar Athlete


Silke Buksik Independent All-Tournament TeamITA Scholar AthleteMarine de Bourqueney Independent All-Tournament Team

Jessica Nanez ITA Scholar Athlete

Elysia Sloan ITA Scholar Athlete


Vanessa Hedinger All-Independent Freshman TeamITA Scholar Athlete

Ana Pena All-Independent No. 3 SinglesAll-Independent No. 2 Doubles

Alana Breen ITA Scholar Athlete

Jessica Chavez All-Independent Freshman Team

Natalie Gonzalez All-Independent Number-Three Doubles

1997-98 Christine Laury Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

1996-97 Cristel Escalona Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Erica Sanchez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Jessica Sanchez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

1994-95 Selma Garcia Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Claudia Gonzalez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Cindy Munoz Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Ellen Nelissen Academic All-Sun Belt Conference Erica Sanchez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Jessica Sanchez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

1993-94 Claudia Gonzalez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Ellen Nelissen Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

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1992-93 Kimberly Butler Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Maria Estacio Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Laura Gonzalez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

Ellen Nelissen All-Sun Belt Conference Number-One Singles

Rachel Rodriguez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

1991-92 Kimberly Butler Academic All-Sun Belt ConferenceAll-Sun Belt Conference Academic Medallion

Ellen Nelissen All-Sun Belt Conference Number-One Singles

Rachel Rodriguez Academic All-Sun Belt Conference

1989-90Mary Jane Mayer Academic All-American South Conference

Christine Reetz American South Conference Academic Medallion

Leah Viloria Academic All-American South Conference

Tania Webster Academic All-American South Conference

1988-89 Team American South Conference Champions

1987-88 Barbara Barrera All-American South Conference Second TeamAmerican South Conference All-Tournament Doubles Team

Rosa Cantu American South Conference All-Tournament Doubles TeamAcademic All-American South Conference

Mary Jane Mayer Academic All-American South Conference

Leah Viloria Academic All-American South Conference

Tania Webster Academic All-American South Conference


All-Time Series RecordsTeam Won Lost Tie Pct. First Mtg. Last Mtg. Last WinAbilene Christian 1 8 0 .111 1988 2011 1990Air Force Academy 1 2 0 .333 2003 2008 2008Alabama-Birmingham 0 1 0 .000 2011 2011 -----Alcorn State 4 0 0 1.000 2000 2014 2014Arkansas 0 1 0 .000 2013 2013 -----Arkansas-Little Rock 0 6 0 .000 1993 2008 -----Arkansas State 0 5 0 .000 1990 2002 -----Austin Peay State 0 1 0 .000 2001 2001 -----Baylor 0 6 0 .000 1990 2017 -----Belmont 1 0 0 1.000 2001 2001 2001California 0 1 0 .000 2016 2016 -----Cal-State Fullerton 0 1 0 .000 2012 2012 -----Cameron 0 1 0 .000 2003 2003 -----Centenary 3 4 0 .429 1994 2008 2008Central Arkansas 2 1 0 .667 2007 2016 2008Chicago State 7 2 0 .778 2009 2018 2018College of the Southwest 2 0 0 1.000 2008 2009 2009Connecticut 1 0 0 1.000 2007 2007 2007CSU Bakersfield 2 0 0 1.000 2012 2012 2012Dallas Baptist 1 0 0 1.000 2016 2016 2016Eastern Washingtion 0 1 0 .000 2013 2013 -----Grambling State 2 0 0 1.000 2006 2014 2014Grand Canyon 2 4 0 .333 2014 2018 2018Hardin-Simmons 2 0 0 1.000 1987 1989 1989Houston 0 9 0 .000 2002 2018 -----IPFW 1 1 0 .500 2004 2006 2004ITESM 3 0 0 1.000 1990 1993 1993Idaho State 1 3 0 .250 1990 2013 2013Incarnate Word 5 1 0 .833 1990 2018 2018Iowa State 0 1 0 .000 1987 1987 1987Jacksonville 0 3 0 .000 1994 1998 -----Kansas City 6 2 0 .750 2014 2018 2018Lamar 8 19 0 .296 1989 2018 2018Laredo Community College 17 2 0 .895 1986 2018 2018Lee College 0 2 0 .000 2001 2011 -----Longwood 1 0 0 1.000 2009 2009 2009Louisiana-Lafayette 2 5 0 .288 1989 2014 2014Louisiana-Monroe 0 4 0 .000 1993 2012 -----Louisiana Tech 6 6 0 .500 1990 2012 2008Mary Hardin-Baylor 2 0 0 1.000 1990 1997 1997McLennan Community College 1 0 0 1.000 1990 1990 1990McMurry 1 0 0 1.000 2007 2007 2007McNeese State 3 8 0 .273 1996 2017 2010Middle Tennessee State 0 1 0 .000 2006 2006 -----Missouri 1 1 0 .500 1995 2001 2001Missouri State 1 0 0 1.000 2015 2015 2015Mobile 0 1 0 .000 1996 1996 -----Monterrey Tech 4 7 0 .364 1988 2007 1993New Mexico 1 0 0 1.000 2018 2018 2018New Mexico State 3 8 0 .273 2008 2018 2018New Orleans 5 7 0 .417 1988 2010 1994Nicholls State 3 7 0 .300 1999 2015 2007NJIT 1 1 0 .500 2009 2013 ----North Central Texas 1 0 0 1.000 1995 1995 1995North Dakota 1 1 0 .500 2010 2011 2010North Florida 0 1 0 .000 2007 2007 -----

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Team Won Lost Tie Pct. First Mtg. Last Mtg. Last WinNorth Texas 0 8 0 .000 1991 2000 -----Northern Arizona 0 3 0 .000 2009 2013 -----Northern Colorado 1 2 0 .333 2004 2006 2005Northern Kentucky 1 0 0 1.000 2013 2013 2013Northwestern State 0 8 0 .000 1990 2012 -----Odessa College 0 3 1 .125 1986 1989 -----Oklahoma 0 1 0 .000 2009 2009 -----Oral Roberts 3 1 0 .750 1995 2014 2014Prairie View A&M 16 1 0 .941 1986 2018 2018Rice 1 10 0 .091 1988 2018 1988SMU 0 6 0 .000 2002 2017 -----St. Edward’s (TX) 1 0 0 1.000 1987 1987 1987St. Mary’s (CA) 0 1 0 .000 2002 2002 -----St. Mary’s (TX) 3 2 0 .600 2002 2017 2017Sam Houston State 8 15 0 .348 1986 2018 2015San Francisco 0 2 0 .000 2002 2008 -----San Francisco State 1 0 0 1.000 2002 2002 2002San Jacinto Junior College 3 1 0 .750 1988 1991 1991San Jose State 1 1 0 .500 2002 2008 2008Santa Clara 1 0 0 1.000 2008 2008 2008Schreiner 9 0 0 1.000 1986 2013 2013Seattle 5 2 0 .714 2009 2018 2018South Alabama 0 3 0 .000 1994 1998 -----South Dakota 2 0 0 1.000 2006 2010 2010South Dakota State 1 0 0 1.000 2014 2014 2014Southeastern Louisiana 3 5 0 .375 1996 2008 2001Southern 1 1 0 .500 2003 2008 2008Southern Mississippi 0 1 0 .000 1999 1999 -----Southern Utah 1 0 0 1.000 2003 2003 2003Southwest 1 0 0 1.000 2013 2013 2013Stephen F. Austin 3 12 0 .200 1994 2010 2009Sul Ross State 1 0 0 1.000 1987 1987 1987TCU 0 6 0 .000 1995 2018 -----Tennessee-Martin 0 2 0 .000 1996 2001 -----Tennessee Tech 0 2 0 .000 2003 2008 -----Texas 0 1 0 .000 2018 2018 -----Texas A&M 0 2 0 .000 2007 2018 -----Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 3 28 0 .097 2000 2018 2018Texas A&M-Kingsville 10 1 0 .909 1988 2018 2018Texas-Arlington 2 9 0 .182 1990 2018 2008Texas-San Antonio 4 25 0 .138 1986 2018 2018Texas-Tyler 0 1 0 .000 1999 1999 -----Texas Lutheran 4 0 0 1.000 1987 2001 2001Texas Southern 5 2 0 .714 1994 2006 2006Texas State 3 24 0 .111 1986 2017 2008Texas Tech 0 5 0 .000 1991 2011 -----Texas Wesleyan 1 0 0 1.000 1991 1991 1991Trinity 3 6 0 .333 1986 2005 1988Tulane 0 1 0 .000 2009 2009 -----Tulsa 0 1 0 .000 1994 1994 -----UMBC 1 2 0 .333 2012 2016 2016UTEP 2 8 0 .200 1993 2016 2008Universidad Regiomontana 1 0 0 1.000 1989 1989 1989Valparaiso 2 0 0 1.000 2014 2016 2016Vermont 1 0 0 1.000 2003 2003 2003Western Kentucky 5 2 0 .714 1992 2001 1998Western New Mexico 1 0 0 1.000 2015 2015 2015Wharton Junior College 2 0 0 1.000 1988 1989 1989Wisconsin-Milwaukee 1 0 0 1.000 2002 2002 2002Wyoming 0 1 0 .000 2003 2003 -----


Program RecordsRank Name Total YearSingle-Season Singles WinsT-1. Silke Buksik 25 2008T-1. Celine Merlini 25 20013. Ellen Nelissen 23 1995T-4. Gail MacIsaac 21 1990T-4. Barbara Barrera 21 1990

Single-Season Doubles Wins T-1. Silke Buksik 21 2008T-1. Meagan Bedeau 21 2008T-3. Mary Jane Meyer 18 1990T-3. Barbara Barrera 18 1990T-5. Barbara Barrera 17 1989T-5. Gail MacIssac 17 1989

Overall Single-Season Wins 1. Silke Buksik 46 20082. Barbara Barrera 39 19903. Celine Merlini 38 20014. Gail MacIssac 36 19905. Barbara Barrera 34 1988

Career Singles Wins 1. Ellen Nelissen 67 1991-952. Leah Viloria 64 1988-913. Barbara Barrera 55 1988-904. Reegan Greenwood 54 2013-16 5. Mary Jane Meyer 51 1988-91

Career Doubles Wins 1. Mary Jane Meyer 56 1988-912. Barbara Barrera 52 1988-903. Silke Buksik 48 2005-084. Meagan Bedeau 47 2007-105. Leah Viloria 45 1988-91

Overall Career Wins 1. Leah Viloria 109 1988-912. Barbara Barrera 107 1988-903. Mary Jane Meyer 107 1988-914. Silke Buksik 95 2005-08T-5. Reegan Greenwood 94 2013-16T-5. Tania Webster 94 1988-91

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CAMPUS LIFE

Dorms• Designed in suite style, with two rooms sharing a bathroom.

• All rooms are furnished for double occupancy.

•Rooms may be reserved as private rooms as space permits.

• Rooms include: beds, desks and chairs, chests of drawers, built-in closets, ethernet connections, cable, central heat and air conditioning.

• Services provided include: study rooms, TV lounges, computer labs, laundry facilities, snack and soft drink vending, community kitchenette with microwave, and recreation rooms featuring billiards, ping pong, foosball and game tables.

UNITY HALL HERITAGE HALL

Student Apartments• Furnished living rooms and kitchens.

• Apartment contents include: single bed, desk and chair, chest of drawers, built-in closet, sofa, lounge chair, multi-use cube, end table, dishwasher, microwave, stove/oven, refrigerator and washer/dryer.

• Services provided include: central heat and air, 24-hour emergency maintenance, mail delivery, garbage collection, on-site student parking, ethernet connections, and cable.


Student Union

• Serves as the center of the University community life.

• The Student Union is equipped with a food court with a variety of places to eat such as: Chick-fil-A, Mein Bowl, Mi Taco Panchos, Slice of Life, SU Cafe, and Sub Connection. There is also a Starbucks and a convenience store.

• The Student Union Game Room is located on the second floor of the Student Union. It offers seven pool tables, three air hockey tables and the latest video games.

• The Student Union also contains a theater that brings cultural, musical and theatrical entertainment to UTPA students and offers them the opportunity to meet and interact with the artists.

STUDENT UNION

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• Weight area includes both free weights and exercise machines, including dumbbells, strength training equipment, cardiovascular machines, and multiple televisions for entertainment.

• Walking/running track, approximately 1/10 mile, with area for stretching. There are also stability balls and mats as well as three racquetball courts.

• Two dance/activity rooms for group exercise and specialty programs.

• The main gymnasium space can be divided into two basketball, two volleyball or multiple badminton courts. One indoor soccer court with rounded corners, dasher boards and Plexiglas can also be utilized as a basketball, volleyball or badminton court. Used for open recreation and intramurals.

• Indoor Climbing Facility (35’ high) combines integral rock and moveable hand and foot holds. Also features three routes and hosts instructional courses from beginner to advanced. Group facility and private party rentals are

available. Aquatics facilities feature a lap swimming pool, leisure pool, lazy river, and a jacuzzi. It is a perfect place for a private party or group rental.

• Outdoor Activity Area features two sand volleyball courts, two outdoor basketball courts, two tennis courts, and an outdoor pavilion with tables and chairs. A BBQ grill is available for group rentals.

• Men’s and women’s locker rooms with over 400 lockers, private shower areas, and vanity areas.

• Member Services Desk assists guests with membership sales, locker rentals, retail sales, and general guest services.

• Energy Zone serves up sandwiches, smoothies, specialty items, salads, fruits, soft drinks, sports drinks and bottled water.

• Lounge/Eating Area with tables and chairs, lounge furniture, couches, televisions, vending machines and great observational area for many activities.

WELLNESS & RECREATIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX


THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY

78˚• More than 1.3 million residents call the Rio Grande Valley home.

• Among them are 1990 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee and former Dallas Cowboys head coach Tom Landry, Chicago Bears center Roberto Garza, St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia, former Arizona Cardinals offensive guard Rolando Cantu, three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Bobby Morrow, wrestler Tito Santana, former Ms. Olympia Rachel McLish, actor Nick Stahl, who played John Connor in Terminator 3, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Senator and Representative Lloyd Bentsen Jr., Iwo Jima flag raiser Harlon Block, astronaut Mike Fossum, and former Vice Presidential candidate Matt Gonzalez.

• Home to several minor league sports teams, including theRio Grande Valley Vipers, the two-time NBA Gatorade League Champio affiliate of the Houston Rockets, and the RGV FC Toros, the USL affiliate of the Houston Dynamo. About 35 current and former NBA players have played for the Vipers, including Aaron Brooks, CJ Watson, Steve Novak, Hasheem Thabeet, Ben Uzoh, Patrick Patterson, Terrence Jones, Patrick Beverley, Troy Daniels and Robert Covington.

• The Vipers play at brand new Bert Ogden Arena, which also plays host to a Houston Rockets exhibition game on a semi-regular basis. Recent opponent include the Boston Celtics (2009), Orlando Magic (2010 and 2015), Oklahoma City Thunder (2012) and Golden State Warriors (2014).

• Nearby State Farm Arena draws some of the top acts in music, including Train, Rob Thomas, Shakira, Aerosmith, Kiss, ZZ Top, Cher, Nelly, George Straight, Elton John, REO Speedwagon, STYX and Lady Antebellum.

78˚AVERAGE TEMP.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY PREMIUM OUTLETS

MCALLEN CONVENTION CENTER

300AVERAGE DAYS OF SUNSHINE

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• One of the most popular Spring Break locations in the country, attracting thousands of college students every year.

• Offers a variety of top-notch beaches, restaurants, parks, museums, fishing and other attractions, such as Schlitterbahn Beach, a water park and resort featuring everything from relaxing rivers to tidal wave rivers. Schlitterbahn has four uphill water coasters, a five-story interactive Sandcastle, the world-famous Boogie Bahn inland surfing ride, and the brand new Cenote, Texas’ first underground water slide.

• MTV has come on several occasions for its Spring Break Hangout.

• Recognized for its fishing as the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre Bay are filled with a wide array of flounder, red snapper, amberjack, kingfish, marlin and sailfish.

• Sub-tropical climate where the temperature rarely falls below 85 degrees in the summer and 65 degrees in the winter.

• McAllen, the largest city in the Rio Grande Valley, borders Edinburg to the south. McAllen boasts many attractions, such as the Entertainment District located on and around downtown 17th street. McAllen’s Entertainment District caters to all tastes, boasting a unique blend of lifestyles. Whether you’re in search of a quiet evening out with great food, and live music, or an exciting night on the dance floor with live entertainment and DJs, there’s something for you. Each lounge, club, and fine dining venue is themed to match your personality and mood.

• Another city that neighbors Edinburg is Pharr, home of the Boggus Ford Convention Center, which routinely draws great acts such as 3 Doors Down, Willie Nelson, Randy Rogers, the Eli Young Band, Deftones, Kevin Fowler, the Spazmatics and Rob Schneider.

• The UTRGV campus is just minutes away from Mexico, where residents and visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the Mexican culture.

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

MCALLEN'S ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

25 MILESFrom Brownsville Campus

75 MILESFrom Edinburg Campus


UTRGV PRESIDENT

Dr. Guy BaileyGuy Bailey, Ph.D., was named Founding President of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in May of 2014.

Prior to being named President of UTRGV, he served as President of the University of Alabama and of Texas Tech University; Chancellor of the University of Missouri Kansas City; Provost and Executive Vice President at The University of Texas San Antonio; Dean of Liberal Arts at the University of Nevada Las Vegas; Chair of the English Department at Oklahoma State University and the University of Memphis; and as a faculty member at Texas A&M and Emory Universities.

During his time at Texas Tech, the university met the criteria established by the Texas State Legislature for participation in the National Research University Fund; enrollment grew by 3,905 students (14%); research expenditures grew by $89.9 million (170%); and graduation rates increase by five percentage points.

During his tenure at UTSA, the university was named an emerging research university by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board; 16 new doctoral programs were added; external funding for research more than doubled; enrollment grew by more than 40%; and graduate enrollment grew by almost 50%.

While Bailey was at UMKC, the university completed a $200 million capital campaign and built or gained approval for $175 million in new construction. From 2010 to 2012, Bailey served on the Board of Directors of the NCAA and on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Big XII athletic conference. He has also served on the Board of Trustees of Midwest Research Institute since 2007.

Bailey continues to do research on language change and variation. His research with his late wife, Jan, has been featured in a front-page article in the New York Times, on National Public Radio, on CNN Headline News, on BBC Radio, in Texas Monthly, and in the San Antonio Express News. Since 1984, Bailey has brought in over $1 million in external funding for his research.

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UTRGV DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Chris KingA 2018 NACDA Under Armour Division I-AAA Athletic Director of the Year, Chris King has served as Director of Athletics since October 1, 2009.

As the leader of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Chris King’s proactive style and leadership have helped the department reach new

heights and lay a solid foundation for future growth and success.

Inspired by the growth and innovation of the Rio Grande Valley, King has made it UTRGV Athletics’ goal to EleVate the standard of Division I Athletics and proudly represent the university in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.

In order to accomplish that goal, King unveiled a new five-year strategic plan in Feb. 2017. The focus of this strategic plan is to improve the student-athlete experience and lead UTRGV Athletics to become the industry standard of the WAC and Division I. The five main goals include student success and experience, the 3 F’s: facilities, finance and fundraising, competitive excellence, promoting a culture of integrity, and branding and engagement.

King also redefined UTRGV Athletics’ culture, vision, core values, expectations and beliefs, under the mantra of, “16 Sports, 1 Team.” Part of the new culture is ensuring an end product of academic success, social responsibility, competitive excellence, fan experience, community engagement and leadership development.

UTRGV Athletics has seen considerable elevation in academics, competition, facilities, revenue generation, diversity and equity, and community service during King’s tenure. Much of the elevation has occurred since King secured a bid into the Western Athletic Conference starting with the 2013-14 season, ending a period of 15 years without access to an automatic qualifier to NCAA Championship-level events.

AcademicsThe department pushed its cumulative grade point average (GPA) to 3.18 in 2017-18, with a record-tying 152 student-athletes earning 2018 Spring AD Honor Roll recognition after a record 152 student-athletes earned the honor in the fall for boasting a GPA of at least 3.0. Student-athletes continue to maintain higher GPAs and graduation rates than their peers in the general student body. The student-

athlete graduation success rate has jumped from 54 to 78 percent over the last nine years.

CompetitionUTRGV won its first team WAC Regular Season Championship in any sport in 2017-18, as women’s tennis went 5-0 in WAC play en route to an appearance in the WAC Tournament Championship match for the second time in three years. Women’s tennis won the WAC Tournament Championship in 2016. Volleyball also reached the WAC Tournament Championship match, doing so for the second year in a row after winning the title in 2016.

UTRGV added seven individual WAC Championships in track & field, including five during the indoor season and two during the outdoor season while sending two student-athletes to the NCAA Outdoor West Preliminary Round.

Since joining the WAC in the fall of 2013, UTRGV has won three team and 23 individual WAC Championships.

Making the postseason is becoming a regular occurrence, as the men’s basketball team reached the CBI in 2018, marking the program’s first postseason bid since 1981, the volleyball and women’s tennis teams made their respective NCAA Tournaments in 2016, and the women’s basketball team made three-straight postseason appearances from 2015-17, winning its first-ever postseason home game in of 2017.

Other successes in 2017-18 include the men’s golf team winning two tournaments and finishing in the top five in each of its last six events, and women’s basketball getting off to the best start (9-2) in program history. UTRGV boasted 39 All-WAC performers and 29 WAC Athletes of the Week.

FacilitiesUnder King’s leadership, UTRGV has completed numerous facilities upgrades. In 2017-18, UTRGV upgraded the lighting in and around the fieldhouse to LEDs and installed a new sound system. UTRGV also built a new training room, concession stand, equipment room, and media room while renovating the locker room hallways.

The next phase of upgrades for the fieldhouse, which are scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2019, includes renovations to the home, visiting and officials’ locker rooms, the installation of new entrance doors, and the creation of additional storage space.

Revenue GenerationOver the last three years, King and the fundraising and external sales staff have achieved increases in fundraising of 196 percent, ticket sales of 87 percent, and corporate sponsorship revenue of 73 percent.


The increase in ticket sales is due in-part to a 43 percent increase in game attendance in 2017-18.

Over the last nine years, King has secured numerous six and seven-figure major gifts through gifts for capital projects, planned giving, and endowed scholarships. This includes a $1 million planned gift from Dan and Terry Martinez in June 2017.

New BuildsThe $4.55 million UTRGV Soccer and Track & Field Complex opened in Oct. 2014 to host the first season of women’s soccer and then, in 2015, the return of men’s soccer. The complex also hosted the 2017 WAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships.

Capital ProjectsIn the Feb. 2017, UTRGV completed the Coach Al and Joann Ogletree Plaza, which features a statue of legendary Baseball Head Coach Emeritus Al Ogletree and a plaque of late wife, Joann, on top of a bricks placed in the shape of a baseball at the entrance to UTRGV Baseball Stadium.

King arranged the donation of the $6.5 million baseball stadium from the City of Edinburg to the university in Oct. 2014, and has since conducted significant renovations as part of a capital project, including the installation of a new video board and scoreboard.

King also moved UTRGV Athletics into a new strength & conditioning facility in 2013-14 and completed a capital project in the spring of 2015 to acquire new equipment.

RenovationsKing has completed numerous renovations to the UTRGV Fieldhouse, including the addition of the largest indoor video board in the Rio Grande Valley (34.45'x11.81') by securing a $250,000 gift from Coca-Cola Refreshments in 2012. King has since resurfaced the court and upgraded the basketball team and locker rooms with new lockers, furniture, carpeting and graphics.

The Orville Cox Tennis Center has been upgraded during King’s tenure, with six resurfaced courts, new fences, new windscreens, new walkways and a new entrance.

In the summer of 2017, UTRGV Athletics secured a $100,000 grant from the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program Committee to make immediate improvements to the Victory Center with the purpose of directly influencing student-athletes’ progress toward degree and APR requirements. This injection of funds provided upgrades for facility renovations, additional technology, and professional development efforts. Over the last five years, UTRGV Athletics has received over $300,000 in grants from this NCAA program.

King also oversaw the renovation of office space for women’s basketball, tennis, golf, and track & field, creating additional office space for five head coaches and three assistant coaches.

Diversity and EquityKing’s main priority upon becoming Director of Athletics was advancing his belief in a culture of integrity, including rules compliance, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

King completed the Title IX/Gender Equity Plan by starting women’s soccer in 2014, adding 7.0 scholarships to fully fund men’s track & field, 1.8 scholarships to fully fund baseball, 1.5 scholarships to fully fund men’s golf, and 1.5 scholarships to fully fund men’s tennis. Another part of the plan included the creation of two new head coaching positions, as the university went from having one coach for both tennis teams and one for both golf teams to having separate coaches for each team. King also set up the track & field and volleyball teams to add an assistant coach.

Community ServiceAfter completing the 15th-highest total of community service hours in NCAA Division I and 20th-highest overall in the NCAA Team Works Competition for NCAA DI, DII, and DIII athletic departments and student-athletes in 2015-16, UTRGV Athletics set an all-time record in service and volunteering, outreach and engagement, campus engagement, and networking hours of service in 2017-18.

Leadership PositionsKing’s accomplishments led to his selection as a current member of the NCAA Division I Nominating Committee and the former NCAA Division I Legislative Council. King also serves as an executive committee member of the NACDA DI-AAA Athletic Director Association and the chair of the NACDA DI-AAA Athletic Director Association Mentoring Committee. King also holds multiple leadership positions with the WAC, serving as the WAC council chair, the strategic plan chair and the 2017-18 men’s basketball chair.

Prior to UTRGV, King spent seven years (2002-09) at the University of Alabama as an Associate Athletic Director. King’s athletic career began in 1995 at Campbell University as a compliance assistant. He then moved to Liberty University, where he was the Director of Compliance and Special Events. He later worked at the University of Central Florida, where he served as Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Internal Operations.

King is married to the former Alicia Flowers, who is the Associate Vice President for Development at UTRGV. They reside in McAllen with their two daughters, eight-year old Kylie Marie, and five-year old Mackenzie Elizabeth.

You can follow King on Twitter: @UTRGV_AD.

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UTRGV ATHLETICS SUPPORT STAFF

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OFATHLETICS/CHIEFOPERATING OFFICER

LANCE MORGAN

GENERAL MANAGER OFCORPORATE SALES ANDSPONSORSHIPS

FARRAH MANTHEISR. ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR STUDENT SERVICES/SENIOR WOMAN ADMINISTRATOR

ERICA HIRSCH

CHELSEA BLAKELY

STEVEN KRAUS

CORPORATE SALESADMINISTRATOR

SR. ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR EXTERNAL OPERATIONS

ASSISTANT ATHLETIC TRAINER

MELBA CANTU

KARA LARA

ACCOUNTANT II

ATHLETIC MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

JONAH GOLDBERG

SARA HERNANDEZ

SR. ATHLETIC MARKETING AND PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR

SHAYNE ALLEN


JAMES MARTINEZ

SR. ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR BUSINESS OPERATIONS

LUIS ORTIZ

EVENTS AND FACILITIESCOORDINATOR

DANNY ELIZONDO

ATHLETIC MEDIARELATIONS MANAGER

ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS

TBD

SALES CONSULTANT

STEFON WILLIAMS

ATHLETICS COMPLIANCECOORDINATOR

VINCE VOLPE

TONY FORINA

ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR FORDEVELOPMENT

ANACLAUDIA CERVANTES

MANAGER OF TICKET SALES & SERVICE

ALFRED CASTILLO

HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER

KELSEY CARLETON


MICHAEL AGUILAR

ATHLETICS VIDEO PRO-DUCTION COORDINATOR

ALBERTO ADAME

ASSISTANT TO THEDIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

NATHAN BURK

ASSOCIATE ATHLETICDIRECTOR FORCOMPLIANCE

TOM MENDEZ


TBD

EQUIPMENTCOORDINATOR

TBD

GROUNDSKEEPER/TURF SPECIALIST

KLARISSA RODRIGUEZ

TRAVEL AND INSURANCE COORDINATOR

TBD

ASSISTANT ATHLETICDIRECTOR FOR EVENTS & FACILITY OPERATIONS


THE WESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE

SCHOOL NAME LOCATION MASCOTCalifornia Baptist University Riverside, California LancersCalifornia State University, Bakersfield Bakersfield, California RoadrunnersChicago State University Chicago, Illinois CougarsGrand Canyon University Phoenix, Arizona AntelopesUniversity of Missouri-Kansas City Kansas City, Missouri KangaroosNew Mexico State University Las Cruces, New Mexico AggiesSeattle University Seattle, Washington RedhawksThe University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Edinburg, Texas VaquerosUtah Valley University Orem, Utah Wolverines

GoUTRGV.com 32

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