Completed Event: Women's Tennis versus California on May 1, 2026 , Loss , 1, to, 4
Final Score
Women's Tennis
1
vs California
4
The University of Utah Athletics
Get to Know Head Coach RuthAnn Allen
5/14/2026 11:41 AM | Women's Tennis
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah women's tennis head coach RuthAnn Allen just finished her second season at the helm of the Utes where she led the No. 39 ranked Utah to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2012.
Allen, a former Utah All-American and member of the Utes' Athletics Hall of Fame, returned to her alma mater in 2024 after spending the previous five seasons as head coach at Weber State.
In her tenure as head coach at Weber State, she helped the Wildcats to a Big Sky Championship title in 2023 and was honored as the Big Sky Coach of the Year. During the 2022 season, Allen led Weber State to a Big Sky regular season title and was named Big Sky Coach of the Year. At the helm of the Wildcats, she led Weber State to the Big Sky tournament title match in four straight seasons.
Prior to her time at Weber State, Allen served as an assistant coach at Utah for 20 seasons. She was the associate head coach for the Utes in the 2018-19 season and served as an assistant coach in four different stints (1993, 1995-98, 2003-06, 2008-18).
UtahUtes.com recently talked with Allen to get to know her and her coaching styles and philosophies.
1. Why did you become a coach?
I became a coach because I loved my college tennis experience! I love creating a team out of an individual sport. I know I can make a difference in a student athletes' growth as a tennis player.
2. Who is someone you look up to or admire and describe why?
I admire many professional athletes that have adversity and overcome them. Kobe Bryant's mind set and commitment to become the best is very admirable!
3. How do you reset and regroup after losses or bad practices?
I reset after a bad loss or practice with the mindset that everything is temporary and growth can come from those difficult experiences. We may learn more after those tough losses/practice.
4. What is something in your coaching career that you're most proud of?
I am proud of every team that accomplishes and achieves more than what others outside the team thought possible. I enjoy the challenge of creating a team environment that helps team members thrive and have success. I coached 3 teams that were rated much lower and made it to the finals of their conference tournament. I coached two teams that played in the NCAA tournament that were not predicted to do as well.
5. What's the first thing you look for when scouting potential future Utes?
When scouting potential Utes I look for someone who doesn't give up. I want someone with grit and enjoys competing. I also look for someone who knows that being a student athlete is an amazing opportunity.
6. What are three words to describe yourself?
Diligent, loyal, and determined
7.Share one fun fact about yourself that you would want the world to know about you.
I love being around water: waterskiing is one of my favorite things to do. I love sports!
8.What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of tennis?
Anything my kids are involved with are my hobbies.
9. What's your go to sweet treat?
I have a sweet tooth so most things with sugar are enjoyable. I really like chocolate covered marshmallows.
FOLLOW THE UTES
Fans can follow us on social media (Twitter: @UteWomensTennis | Instagram: @UtahWomensTennis | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utahwomenstennis).
Allen, a former Utah All-American and member of the Utes' Athletics Hall of Fame, returned to her alma mater in 2024 after spending the previous five seasons as head coach at Weber State.
In her tenure as head coach at Weber State, she helped the Wildcats to a Big Sky Championship title in 2023 and was honored as the Big Sky Coach of the Year. During the 2022 season, Allen led Weber State to a Big Sky regular season title and was named Big Sky Coach of the Year. At the helm of the Wildcats, she led Weber State to the Big Sky tournament title match in four straight seasons.
Prior to her time at Weber State, Allen served as an assistant coach at Utah for 20 seasons. She was the associate head coach for the Utes in the 2018-19 season and served as an assistant coach in four different stints (1993, 1995-98, 2003-06, 2008-18).
UtahUtes.com recently talked with Allen to get to know her and her coaching styles and philosophies.
1. Why did you become a coach?
I became a coach because I loved my college tennis experience! I love creating a team out of an individual sport. I know I can make a difference in a student athletes' growth as a tennis player.
2. Who is someone you look up to or admire and describe why?
I admire many professional athletes that have adversity and overcome them. Kobe Bryant's mind set and commitment to become the best is very admirable!
3. How do you reset and regroup after losses or bad practices?
I reset after a bad loss or practice with the mindset that everything is temporary and growth can come from those difficult experiences. We may learn more after those tough losses/practice.
4. What is something in your coaching career that you're most proud of?
I am proud of every team that accomplishes and achieves more than what others outside the team thought possible. I enjoy the challenge of creating a team environment that helps team members thrive and have success. I coached 3 teams that were rated much lower and made it to the finals of their conference tournament. I coached two teams that played in the NCAA tournament that were not predicted to do as well.
5. What's the first thing you look for when scouting potential future Utes?
When scouting potential Utes I look for someone who doesn't give up. I want someone with grit and enjoys competing. I also look for someone who knows that being a student athlete is an amazing opportunity.
6. What are three words to describe yourself?
Diligent, loyal, and determined
7.Share one fun fact about yourself that you would want the world to know about you.
I love being around water: waterskiing is one of my favorite things to do. I love sports!
8.What are some of your favorite hobbies outside of tennis?
Anything my kids are involved with are my hobbies.
9. What's your go to sweet treat?
I have a sweet tooth so most things with sugar are enjoyable. I really like chocolate covered marshmallows.
FOLLOW THE UTES
Fans can follow us on social media (Twitter: @UteWomensTennis | Instagram: @UtahWomensTennis | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utahwomenstennis).
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