Vallverdu Named Assistant W. Tennis Coach

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – Former Hurricane Laura Vallverdu has been hired as the assistant women’s tennis coach for the University of Miami, head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews announced Wednesday.

Vallverdu spent the 2012-13 season as a volunteer assistant for the women’s tennis team and prior to that, spent a year as the team’s graduate assistant.

“Laura has played and coached at the highest levels within this program,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. “As a player she competed for an NCAA title and as a coach she has already taught these players so much.  I am proud to have a former player join my staff.  Lau is definitely going to be a great asset as our new assistant coach.”

Vallverdu was a four-year letter winner (2007-10) for the Canes and is second all-time at Miami in singles wins with 131, which was the record when she wrapped up her career. The five-time All-American finished her senior season with 35 singles wins and a No. 7 national ranking in doubles.

A native of Valencia, Venezuela, Vallverdu graduated in 2010 with a degree in psychology and earned her master’s in sport administration in 2012.

“It is definitely a huge honor to represent this school that once took me in as a student-athlete and now is putting its trust in me to help these young ladies,” Vallverdu said. “I couldn’t thank Paige enough and I can’t wait to continue building this program. At the end of the day it is all about the U and these young ladies that I am so excited to work with.”

Vallverdu, who replaces Alex Santos, officially began her coaching duties on July 22, 2013.