In a move that underscores the Appalachian State University women's tennis program's commitment to excellence, head coach Hannah Fetters has announced the promotion of assistant Cedric Rupa to the role of associate head coach. This strategic decision reflects Rupa's exceptional contributions and the program's unwavering pursuit of greatness.

Elevating the Mountaineers to New Levels of Success

A Proven Track Record of Excellence

Cedric Rupa's journey with the Mountaineers began in January 2023 when he joined the coaching staff as an assistant. In the two years since, he has played a pivotal role in the team's remarkable achievements. Under his guidance, the Mountaineers have reached new heights, securing a spot in the Sun Belt quarterfinals in 2023 and making their first-ever appearance in the Sun Belt final in 2024.Rupa's impact extends beyond the team's collective success. He has also been instrumental in the individual development of student-athlete Savannah Dada-Mascoll, who has earned All-Sun Belt first-team recognition in both her freshman and sophomore years. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to Rupa's coaching prowess and his ability to nurture and elevate the talents of the players he works with.

A Shared Vision for the Future

Reflecting on his time with the Mountaineers, Rupa expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to continue working with the team and the App State community. "It's been a privilege to have the opportunity to work with this team for the past two years and to be part of the App State community," Rupa said. "I'm always excited to work with Hannah and all of the student-athletes as we continue to strive to push this program to new levels."This shared vision between Rupa and head coach Hannah Fetters is a driving force behind the program's continued growth and success. Fetters' confidence in Rupa's abilities is evident in her praise, stating, "Cedric has been an exceptional assistant, so this promotion is truly a reflection of his commitment, skill and passion for the team. We are excited to have him as part of our staff and can't wait for many more seasons ahead."

Preparing for the Spring Season

As the Mountaineers look ahead to the upcoming spring season, the team is poised to build upon their recent achievements. The squad recently concluded their fall season, competing at the ITA Regional, and are now set to commence their spring play on January 17th, when they will take on VCU in Richmond, Virginia.With Cedric Rupa's promotion to associate head coach, the Mountaineers have solidified their coaching staff and are well-positioned to continue their upward trajectory. The program's unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with the expertise and dedication of its coaching team, promises an exciting and successful season ahead for the Appalachian State women's tennis team.