Vallverdu Promoted to Associate Head Coach
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – University of Miami women’s tennis head coach Paige Yaroshuk-Tews announced Monday the promotion of Laura Vallverdu to associate head coach.
One of the most accomplished players in program history, the Miami alumnae has spent each of the past four seasons on Yaroshuk-Tews’ staff, including the last two as the assistant coach, and now will be promoted for a third time.
“Lau’s work ethic and commitment to the University of Miami have helped this program reach new heights. She is well deserving of an associate head coach title,” Yaroshuk-Tews said. “To have a former player step into this position is a proud moment for a head coach. Lau is a part of my family and our University family. I enjoy working with her each day.”
After concluding her illustrious playing career in 2010, Vallverdu spent one season as an assistant coach at Barry University. There, she helped guide the Buccaneers to the first national championship in program history
Vallverdu then joined the Miami coaching staff for the 2011-12 season as a graduate assistant. She was named the volunteer assistant coach for the 2012-13 season and promoted to assistant coach the following year.
In all eight of Vallverdu’s seasons with the Hurricanes as either a player or coach, Miami has reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Team Championship and finished in the top 15 nationally. The Hurricanes have posted a 168-48 (.778) record over those eight seasons, with a 77-16 (.828) mark in ACC play. Six times during that stretch Miami has made the Elite Eight and five times finished in the top 10.
In 2013, Vallverdu helped direct the Hurricanes to their first ever ACC Championship title. She has coached five All-Americans during her four years on staff at Miami, including two this season in freshman Sinead Lohan and junior Stephanie Wagner.
“I am beyond words excited about this. It is with extreme responsibility that I will assume this title, and needless to say, it not only motivates me, but it humbles me,” Vallverdu said. “My job is not judged on a title, but on the amount of work put into improving our players. They are the reason why I want to work hard and get better every day.”
As a player, Vallverdu was a five-time All-American, garnering singles honors each year of her career and doubles honors as a senior. In 2010 she was named the recipient of the Honda Sports Award, given to the best female athlete in the sport. She was also one of four nominees for the honor in 2009.
The first four-time All-ACC selection in program history, Vallverdu is second at Miami in singles victories with 131, which was the record at the conclusion of her career. She is one of two Hurricanes to make the finals of the NCAA Singles Championship and the only one to reach the semifinals twice.
“I have always said, and I will say it again, I am so thankful to this entire institution for everything they have done for me and to the family I have created in a place far from home,” Vallverdu said. “Miami has become my home and working together with Paige and our entire staff is an incredible pleasure. Paige is a special person who has taught me so much in the nine years I have known her. I can’t wait for many more.”
A native of Valencia, Venezuela, Vallverdu received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in business from Miami in 2010. She then earned her Master of Science in Sports & Exercise Psychology from UM in 2012.
For more information about University of Miami women’s tennis, follow @HurricaneTennis.
