Courtesy of UNLV
LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) – UNLV Director of Athletics Erick Harper announced Friday that assistant coach Tetiana “Tania” Luzhanska will be elevated to head coach of the women’s tennis program on July 1.
Kevin Cory previously announced his retirement effective June 30 after completing his 25th season overseeing the Mountain West’s winningest program.
“Our search process confirmed what we already knew — Tania has done an outstanding job helping us win multiple championships and has clearly earned this opportunity to run her own program,” said Harper. “She has been an integral part of Coach Cory’s success during her time here. I’ve seen what she can do on and off the courts to assist our student-athletes in reaching their potential and we are excited to see her move this women’s tennis team forward.”
A former professional player, Luzhanska (“lu-ZAHN-ska”) was named UNLV women’s tennis assistant coach in August of 2018. In just her second season on the courts, she was named the 2019 ITA Mountain Region Assistant Coach of the Year after helping UNLV win both the regular-season and tournament championships of the Mountain West and advance to the second round of the NCAA Championships. The Rebels have reached the final of the conference tournament every year that she has been on staff, with Cory’s team posting an overall record of 88-36, including a 35-10 mark vs. Mountain West opponents and 10-2 in the conference tournament, during that time.
“I am honored and excited to be named the next head coach of the UNLV women’s tennis team,” said Luzhanska. “I want to express my gratitude to President Whitfield and Erick Harper for entrusting me with this opportunity to lead the program. A special thanks to Coach Cory for his years of support and mentoring, paving the way for me to step into the role this summer and work to continue his wonderful legacy.”
A native of Ukraine, Luzhanska earned a career-high WTA singles ranking of 131 in 2011 after rising as high as No. 99 in the world in doubles four years earlier. Having retired in 2013 with 20 ITF doubles championships and a pair of singles titles, she went on to become an elite private teacher of the sport. She and her husband, Bill Roshak, have one daughter, Amelia, who turned 4 this year.
“Tania is the right person to lead this program,” said Cory. “She has been a key component of our success for many years and is an incredible coach as well as an accomplished player. I am looking forward to cheering on the Rebels under her leadership.”
-UNLV-
