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 Assistant Coach Melissa Kopinski
5/16/2026 9:42 AM | Women's Tennis
SALT LAKE CITY — Utah women's tennis associate head coach Melissa Kopinski just finished her sixth season with the Utes and helped lead Utah to its first NCAA Appearance since 2012.
Kopinski joined the Utes after spending the previous four years at Texas Tech. During her time with the Red Raiders, she helped guide the team to three NCAA Tournaments and made the Round of 32 twice.
During her playing career at Illinois, Kopinski racked up a combined 162 victories highlighted by 88 doubles wins which ranks third all-time. She earned ITA All-American honors in doubles with partner Rachael White in 2013. The pair advanced to the NCAA Championship quarterfinals en route to 28 victories, the seventh-most in program history for a single season.
UtahUtes.com recently talked with Kopinski to get to know her on a personal level as well as her coaching styles and philosophies.
Fans can follow us on social media (Twitter: @UteWomensTennis | Instagram: @UtahWomensTennis | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utahwomenstennis).
Kopinski joined the Utes after spending the previous four years at Texas Tech. During her time with the Red Raiders, she helped guide the team to three NCAA Tournaments and made the Round of 32 twice.
During her playing career at Illinois, Kopinski racked up a combined 162 victories highlighted by 88 doubles wins which ranks third all-time. She earned ITA All-American honors in doubles with partner Rachael White in 2013. The pair advanced to the NCAA Championship quarterfinals en route to 28 victories, the seventh-most in program history for a single season.
UtahUtes.com recently talked with Kopinski to get to know her on a personal level as well as her coaching styles and philosophies.
- Why did you choose Utah?
Because it felt like the perfect balance of competitive tennis, strong academics, and a supportive community. - Do you have a coaching catch phrase? If so, what is it and why?
I'd rather give full effort and learn from mistakes than play with fear and hold back. That's how we get 1% better each day. - Who is someone you look up to or admire and describe why?
Geno Auriemma. He is known for cultivating a competitive culture while building athletes to grow mentally and personally. - What is something you're most proud of in your coaching career?
Seeing players achieve the goals they once thought were out of reach, especially when they are underestimated by others. - What are three words to describe yourself?
Passionate, Determined, Authentic - Share one fun fact about yourself that you would want the world to know about you
I have two pet bunnies, Dexter and Toby. - How would you describe the culture at Utah?
Competitive, supported and team oriented. - If not tennis, which sport?
Ski - Who is your favorite professional tennis player?
The GOAT, Roger Federer
Fans can follow us on social media (Twitter: @UteWomensTennis | Instagram: @UtahWomensTennis | Facebook: Facebook.com/Utahwomenstennis).
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Tuesday, May 14
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Wednesday, June 29