This summer we'll be featuring various coaches from our 23 teams in a Q&A format on UCSDTritons.com as well as our social media accounts.
Liz LaPlante enters her 44th season as head coach of the UC San Diego women's tennis team, the program's third season competing in NCAA Division I as a member of The Big West. She has guided the program from its infancy in Division III to a national powerhouse, through its time as an independent in Division II into the new frontier in Division I.
Over her first 21 seasons at UC San Diego, La Plante became the most successful coach in NCAA Division III women's tennis history. Her squads qualified for the NCAA Division III Championships 19 times, winning four national titles and finishing second on five other occasions. The Tritons also placed third nationally three times.
LaPlante was honored as the NCAA Division III Coach of the Decade in 1991. She was also the 2000 ITA Division III Coach of the Year.
Since taking over the program, 30 Tritons have earned All-America honors.
A San Diego native, LaPlante graduated from San Diego State University in 1979 and played varsity tennis for three years as an undergraduate. Prior to that, she was one of the top junior players in San Diego County. LaPlante frequently plays pickleball.
What's an interesting fact about you that's not listed in your bio?
When I was in junior high we used to go to dances during the summer at Revelle College.
Any exciting summer plans?
My youngest son, for unknown reasons, is taking 30 friends and family on his honeymoon – to cruise the islands of Croatia on a yacht.
What's one skill you wish you had or would like to learn?
I wish I were tall enough to hit a serve as hard as John Isner.
What are three words you would use to describe your team culture?
Integrity, supportive, hard-working.
What are you looking forward to most with your squad next season?
The addition of three new players and seeing the returners come back having played a lot of tennis over the summer and fired up to start the season.
