Rincon Signs Three-Year Contract
June 1, 2007
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Following three successful campaigns at the helm of the University of Miami’s men’s tennis program, head coach Mario Rincon has signed a three-year contract to extend his tenure, effective today.
“Mario’s performance has earned him this extension,” said University of Miami Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Paul Dee. “I am very pleased with the progress of his team.”
Under Rincon’s guidance, the Hurricanes have made two-straight NCAA Championship appearances and have had three student-athletes earn a combined seven All-America honors. Four-time All-American and two-time ACC Player of the Year Luigi D’Agord (Freeport, Bahamas) advanced to last weekend’s NCAA Championship singles quarterfinals, in addition to advancing to the Round of 16 in doubles competition with Josh Cohen (Weston, Fla./Laurel Springs). Cohen completed his collegiate career as Miami’s winningest men’s tennis player and the program’s leader in doubles victories, while each of D’Agord’s two campaigns as a Hurricane rank among the program’s top-10 in wins – including a 36-5 performance in 2006 that is second-best in the program’s 77-year history.
Additionally, Rincon guided sophomore All-American Daniel Vallverdu (Valencia, Venezuela) into the NCAA’s Round of 16 in singles competition, upsetting a pair of top-30 players along the way.
In 2006, Rincon led the Hurricanes to the ACC’s first sweep of conference honors as Rincon was tabbed the Coach of the Year, D’Agord earned his first of two-straight Player of the Year distinctions and Vallverdu was named Freshman of the Year. That season, the Hurricanes also won a share of the ACC’s regular-season title, advanced to the Round of 16 in NCAA postseason team competition and were ranked among the nation’s top 10 for the first time since 1994.
In 2007, Miami was ranked as high as 10th in the nation and faced 20 ranked teams, including six in the top 10.
“I’m thrilled to be at the University of Miami,” said Rincon. “My family has settled in well here, and we love the city and the entire Hurricane family – from the fans to the staff and the other athletic teams.
“Miami tennis has the potential to be the top collegiate program in the country, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work towards that goal.”
