Sports
Smirnov named Alcorn Head Tennis Coach
Story from Alcorn State:
LORMAN, Miss. – Alcorn State University Athletics Director Robert Raines named Stas Smirnov as the head men’s and women’s tennis coach on Nov. 1, 2023.
“Alcorn State University athletics welcomes Coach Stanislav Smirnov as its head men’s and women’s tennis coach. Coach “Stas” is a well-rounded tennis coach who brings youthful energy to the tennis program,” said Raines. “We are very confident in his ability to recruit and motivate a very diverse group of student-athletes. Previously coaching in the WAC at New Mexico State, Coach Stas is no stranger to top level competition. He will certainly direct our tennis program to higher heights”.
Smirnov comes to The Reservation from after five seasons as an assistant tennis coach at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, N.M. He helped the program reach new heights by helping to lead the program to a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Regular Season Championship during the 2020-21 campaign. With Smirnov on staff, the Aggie men put forth two First Team All-WAC honorees and six Second Team All-WAC honorees in singles actions. In doubles play, three Aggie duos were named Second Team All-WAC. Additionally, one Aggie was named WAC Honorable Mention in Smirnov’s first season with the men’s program.
“Stas was a great asset to the NMSU men’s team,” expressed NMSU head men’s tennis coach Carlos Vargas. “He is always enthusiastic about his coaching duties and very passionate about his job.”
He started his career at NM State as a graduate assistant for the women’s tennis program under head coach Emily Wang, however, made the switch over the men’s program after just one semester of coaching.
“Stas is a tough competitor who will do an excellent job of leading the tennis programs at Alcorn State University,” said Coach Wang. “He contributed a lot of hard work here at New Mexico State University that I know will carry over and will lead him to success at Alcorn State University. I look forward to seeing Stas elevate the program and players.”
Prior to training the NM State student-athletes, he served as a tennis pro at Elite Racquet Sports. While in Los Angeles, Smirnov worked directly with clients to set up specific individual programs and organized lessons.
Smirnov played tennis at the University of the Southwest for two seasons (2016-18). The Ukrainian native served as a volunteer assistant tennis coach at Hobbs High School during the 2016 season. As a junior, Smirnov advanced to the quarterfinals at the ITA Central Regional Tournament in both singles and doubles and wrapped up the season ranked No. 13 in the ITA Central Region singles rankings. He spent his first two seasons at Tennessee Tech (2014-15) and helped guide the Golden Eagles to an Ohio Valley Conference Regular-Season Championship as a freshman.
A stout athlete in the classroom as well, Smirnov earned academic honors all four years both at Tennessee Tech and at the University of the Southwest.
Prior to his time in the states, Smirnov was the top-ranked player in the Ukrainian National Rankings for three-straight years – once at the U16 level and twice at the U18 level. He was also the 2013 Ukrainian National Champion in doubles and mixed doubles at the U18 level and a training camp invitee for the 2014 Ukrainian Davis Cup Team.
Smirnov graduated from University of the Southwest with a bachelor’s in kinesiology and a minor in psychology in 2018. He received his master’s degree in education from NM State in May of 2021.
“I am honored to be given a chance to lead the Braves in reaching new heights and reclaiming the conference title,” expressed Smirnov. “I am eager to build a determined community of student-athletes and make great memories together as a team.”
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