Anastopoulo Reflects on Becoming CofC’s Longest Tenured Head Coach
9/27/2024 3:00:00 PM | Women's Tennis
CHARLESTON, S.C. - With the fall season gearing up for Charleston women's tennis, head coach Angelo Anastopoulo enters his 34th year of coaching, looking to continue his contributions and success to the Cougar tennis programs. With his 34th season underway, Anastopoulo officially becomes the longest tenured coach at The College, passing legendary coach Ralph Lundy, who led the men's soccer program for 33 seasons.
One of the nation's premier tennis coaches, Anastopoulo has helped cultivate the tennis program at the College of Charleston from a Division I newcomer into one of the most well-regarded programs in the nation.
Currently standing with 589 career wins coaching women's tennis, Anastopoulo is the fifth winningest coach among active coaches. He also ranks 10th in winningest coaches all-time in Division I history.
"I'm very proud to be on this list and equally appreciative of not being included on the most losses list," exclaim Anastopoulo. "Any time you stick around long enough, you are able to pick up a couple lucky wins."
In addition to his success in women's tennis, Anastopoulo also served as the men's tennis head coach from 1991-2001. During that time, he amassed 172 wins. Anastopoulo is currently entering his 24th season as The College's Director of Tennis.
Anastopoulo has always taken pride in the family connections he has made over the years. In his time, he has had nine sets of siblings play for him. In addition, his current assistant coach, Connor Bruce, is the son of Marcy Cenkovich-Bruce, who played under Anastopoulo in his first two years as head coach. Her daughter, Marra Bruce, has joined the team as a transfer for the 2024-25 season.
Present for some of the most prominent moments in Cougar tennis history, Anastopoulo helped design the College of Charleston Tennis Center, which originally opened in 2004, helping bring top talent to Charleston. On Sept. 9, the program officially opened the renovated tennis center, renaming the building to the Turner Tennis Center after a program-changing gift was made by the Turner family for the project.
"The Turner's have always been family. Now each time I walk up the stairs and see 'Turner Tennis Center,' it will bring a smile to my face. It feels like home."
Along with his tremendous efforts in the NCAA, Anastopoulo has been a College of Charleston adjunct faculty member for the last 32 years. In this role, he teaches the beginners tennis activity classes and has taught over 3,000 students throughout his time.
"Introducing a student to the sport that I love and witnessing their success is as rewarding as winning a conference championship. In addition, having the academic responsibilities of teaching reminds me that our 'athletes' are truly 'student-athletes.'"
With goals of continued success for Cougar tennis, Anastopoulo looks forward to returning to the courts for the fall season, with no signs of slowing down.
"Although I am in my 34th season, hopefully people don't think I am old, but instead remember that I started when I was really young."
Anastopoulo claims his success is not his alone, but a collaboration of all the people he has surrounded himself with over the years.
"There is no way I would have been able to still be in this role without the ability to work with outstanding student-athletes, support staff and coaches. I am very thankful for the outstanding assistants I've had over the years, who are having incredible success currently coaching at the NCAA Division I level."
"In addition, I am forever indebted to the support, dedication and knowledge of Billy Silcox and his family. Without his help, I wouldn't have lasted 10 years. I am also blessed to work alongside current men's tennis coach Jay Bruner. There is never a dull moment when we are together.
"Lastly, my loving family and understanding wife, Paula, have been a great support system. Coming from an athletic family herself, she understands the time commitment involved of being a college coach."
Anastopoulo and the Charleston women's tennis team will kick off their fall schedule on Saturday, September 28 to participate in the Charleston Southern Fall Tournament in North Charleston.
For complete coverage of Charleston women's tennis, follow us on X (@CofCTennis) and Instagram (@CofCWomensTennis).
One of the nation's premier tennis coaches, Anastopoulo has helped cultivate the tennis program at the College of Charleston from a Division I newcomer into one of the most well-regarded programs in the nation.
Currently standing with 589 career wins coaching women's tennis, Anastopoulo is the fifth winningest coach among active coaches. He also ranks 10th in winningest coaches all-time in Division I history.
"I'm very proud to be on this list and equally appreciative of not being included on the most losses list," exclaim Anastopoulo. "Any time you stick around long enough, you are able to pick up a couple lucky wins."
In addition to his success in women's tennis, Anastopoulo also served as the men's tennis head coach from 1991-2001. During that time, he amassed 172 wins. Anastopoulo is currently entering his 24th season as The College's Director of Tennis.
Anastopoulo has always taken pride in the family connections he has made over the years. In his time, he has had nine sets of siblings play for him. In addition, his current assistant coach, Connor Bruce, is the son of Marcy Cenkovich-Bruce, who played under Anastopoulo in his first two years as head coach. Her daughter, Marra Bruce, has joined the team as a transfer for the 2024-25 season.
Present for some of the most prominent moments in Cougar tennis history, Anastopoulo helped design the College of Charleston Tennis Center, which originally opened in 2004, helping bring top talent to Charleston. On Sept. 9, the program officially opened the renovated tennis center, renaming the building to the Turner Tennis Center after a program-changing gift was made by the Turner family for the project.
"The Turner's have always been family. Now each time I walk up the stairs and see 'Turner Tennis Center,' it will bring a smile to my face. It feels like home."
Along with his tremendous efforts in the NCAA, Anastopoulo has been a College of Charleston adjunct faculty member for the last 32 years. In this role, he teaches the beginners tennis activity classes and has taught over 3,000 students throughout his time.
"Introducing a student to the sport that I love and witnessing their success is as rewarding as winning a conference championship. In addition, having the academic responsibilities of teaching reminds me that our 'athletes' are truly 'student-athletes.'"
With goals of continued success for Cougar tennis, Anastopoulo looks forward to returning to the courts for the fall season, with no signs of slowing down.
"Although I am in my 34th season, hopefully people don't think I am old, but instead remember that I started when I was really young."
Anastopoulo claims his success is not his alone, but a collaboration of all the people he has surrounded himself with over the years.
"There is no way I would have been able to still be in this role without the ability to work with outstanding student-athletes, support staff and coaches. I am very thankful for the outstanding assistants I've had over the years, who are having incredible success currently coaching at the NCAA Division I level."
"In addition, I am forever indebted to the support, dedication and knowledge of Billy Silcox and his family. Without his help, I wouldn't have lasted 10 years. I am also blessed to work alongside current men's tennis coach Jay Bruner. There is never a dull moment when we are together.
"Lastly, my loving family and understanding wife, Paula, have been a great support system. Coming from an athletic family herself, she understands the time commitment involved of being a college coach."
Anastopoulo and the Charleston women's tennis team will kick off their fall schedule on Saturday, September 28 to participate in the Charleston Southern Fall Tournament in North Charleston.
For complete coverage of Charleston women's tennis, follow us on X (@CofCTennis) and Instagram (@CofCWomensTennis).
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