(Story courtesy of Trinity University)
SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Trinity Director of Athletics Bob King has announced that four-time Trinity All-American and NCAA Division I Doubles Champion Gretchen Rush has been hired as the new Head Women's Tennis Coach for the Tigers.
Rush will replace interim coach Matt Haugen, who was able to step in and lead the Trinity Tigers to finish out the 2013-14 season.
"We are privileged to have the opportunity to bring Gretchen back home as the women’s tennis coach," said King. "Her accolades speak for themselves, and we are certain she can uphold the outstanding tradition of tennis at Trinity. Gretchen will be a great addition to an already superb coaching staff at Trinity."
While at Trinity, Rush was a four-time All-American from 1983-86, and held a singles record of 117-12. Along with doubles partner Louise Allen, Rush won the NCAA Division I Doubles Championship in 1983, and was the runner-up in both 1985 (with Lisa Sassano) and 1986 (with Ann Hulbert). In singles, Rush was the NCAA Division I runner-up in both 1985 and 1986. She was the College Women's Player of the Year in 1984 and 1985, the Intercollegiate Tennis Coaches Association Senior Women's Player of the Year in 1986, and won the Broderick Award as the best college women's player in 1986. Rush received the Arthur Ashe Award for Sportsmanship in 1985. In 2001, Rush was inducted into the Trinity Athletics Hall of Fame. As a junior, Rush was the top-ranked player in the world in 1982.
“I’m thrilled to have the chance to coach the Trinity women’s tennis team,” said Rush. “It’s truly the opportunity of a lifetime for me, and I cannot wait to get started.”
After graduating from Trinity, Rush enjoyed a successful professional career as well. She was a top 20 singles and doubles player during her 10 years on the WTA tour, and was a Quarterfinalist at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the United States Open. Rush won four singles and four doubles championships as a pro player. Additionally, Rush represented the U.S. in the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, the World University Games, the Pan American Games, and the Senior ITF World Championships.
Trinity’s Director of Tennis and fellow Hall of Fame member, Butch Newman, is thrilled to have Rush come back to coach the Tigers. “Gretchen embodies ALL that Trinity tennis has ever dreamed of being. Her return as the head women’s coach links our rich past with the present, and ensures that Trinity tennis will continue to have an exciting future.”
Rush returns to Trinity after having served as the head coach at Claremont McKenna-Harvey Mudd-Scripps Colleges over the past two years. She has also coached at San Diego City College for four seasons before taking over at Claremont, and was also the head coach at Our Lady of Peace High School and an assistant coach at San Diego State University.
At Claremont, Rush led the Athenas to a fourth-place finish in her first season with the team following a 30-0 record during the regular season. Currently, Claremont is ranked fifth nationally, and will serve as the host of the NCAA Division III Championships May 19-24.
Rush holds a Bachelor's in Physical Education and a minor in Biology from Trinity (1986), as well as a Master's in Sports Administration from California University of Pennsylvania (2011).
