.png&type=webp)
University of Massachusets Athletics
Raynie Theis Named UMass Women's Tennis Assistant Coach
July 18, 2007 | Tennis
July 18, 2007
AMHERST, Mass. - On Wednesday, UMass Head Women's Tennis Coach Judy Dixon announced the hiring of Raynie Theis as assistant coach. She will be taking over for Aurelie Udall, who spent one season in that position. Theis, who graduated in May with a Sport Management degree from West Virginia University, spent four seasons on the women's tennis team, playing No. 1 doubles and Nos. 2-6 singles. "My dream for the past two years was to come to UMass as the assistant coach and to learn from Coach Dixon," Theis said. "I am honored to be chosen as the assistant coach with the opportunity to attend graduate school."
"I first met Raynie at the West Point tournament in the fall when she played for West Virginia," Dixon said. "She won the doubles there her freshman year and I was impressed by her fiery attitude on the court."
Dixon coached Raynie's brother Rory, when UMass had a men's program. They continued to stay in touch until recently, Rory contacted Dixon about her sister. "Rory contacted me last January and told me that Raynie was looking to go to grad school in Sport Management and also to be an assistant tennis coach. He asked me if I could help her find someplace. I always kept her in the back of my mind if things didn't work out for Aurelie and when I knew that Aurelie was moving to Connecticut, I contacted Raynie."
Despite this being her first coaching position, Theis has had plenty of experience in the sporting field. From 2001-2005, she spent time at the Oak Ridge Country Club (Hopkins, Minn.) as an Assistant Teaching Tennis Professional. She organized and taught tennis drills for all age groups. She also gave private lessons, looking to improve her students' abilities and skill levels.
In the summer of 2006, Theis completed two internships: one with the Minnesota Timberwolves in Fan Relations, and the other with the Northern Section of the United States Tennis Association. While with the Timberwolves, she did everything from responding to fan emails to designing the Hall of Fame website for season ticket holders. With the USTA, she served as Tournament Site Director for Boys and Girls 14's Sectional. She was also Assistant Tournament Director for the Adult Aquatennial Tournament and Nike Junior Open.
As a senior, Theis interned in West Virginia's compliance office. She reorganized and filed student athlete information, monitored coach's recruiting phone logs, and attended meetings and assisted coaches regarding new NCAA rules.
Her accomplishments, on the court and in the classroom, are endless. She was a Dean's List honor student, finishing with a 3.9 cumulative GPA, 4.0 in her major. From 2002-06, she was ITF Academic All-American and a member of the West Virginia ITF All-Academic Team. Theis was also a Big East Academic All-Star.
Theis will focus her coaching efforts on doubles. "I am looking forward to improving the volleys and serves of the team and making them more aggressive in their doubles play. I look forward to the challenge of coaching during a close match with the team pulling out a win."
Dixon expects nothing but big things. "I think that she will provide great energy both on and off the court. Her obvious expertise is in doubles-a critical beginning to each tennis match. Her generous spirit and strong work ethic will set a wonderful example for the team."