Fons Verberne Named Cougars Assistant Tennis Coach

PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State Women's Head Tennis Coach Raquel Atawo announced Wednesday the addition of Fons Verberne as the Cougars assistant coach.
 
"I am excited about the addition of Fons joining our staff," said Atawo. "Throughout his hiring process I grew more confident he would be a tremendous asset to Cougar Tennis. Fons has coached in several different arenas and will bring a unique perspective to our program.
 
"Along with his coaching success, he was also a very successful player at Saint Leo University, winning a conference team title and advancing to a NCAA Division II title match," Atawo continued. "His professionalism in combination with his ability to adapt and learn are going to be huge assets for our program. I am thrilled to be starting my head coaching career with Fons."
 
Verberne arrives in Pullman having spent the past two seasons as the assistant women's coach at the University of Delaware. While at Delaware, Verberne played a large role in the on-court development of the Blue Hen student-athletes, mentored players academically, athletically and personally, assisted with practice plans and recruiting efforts, as well as scheduling and budget development.
 
""This is a dream come true for me to be able to coach at such a high level at Washington State and in the Pac-12," said Verberne. "I'd like to thank Raquel and (Deputy AD) Bryan (Blair) for showing trust in me and providing me with this opportunity. I'm so fortunate and excited to be given this chance. I truly believe WSU can do big things in the years to come and I can't wait to go to work with Raquel and the team. Go Cougs!"
 
Prior to Delaware, Verberne spent the 2018-19 season as a volunteer assistant coach for the women's tennis program at the University of Missouri. During his time with the Tigers, Verberne assisted with international recruiting, daily practice and team travel, in addition to on court coaching responsibilities.
 
Verberne also spent two seasons as the volunteer assistant coach for the men's tennis program at his alma mater, Saint Leo University. In addition to his coaching duties with the Lions, he assisted with practice and conditioning plans, constructed player development and assisted with international recruiting.
 
He also served as the full-time hitting partner of professional Salome Devidze and was a part-time coach at the Saddlebrook Tennis Academy, where he guided junior, ITF and Future's players.
 
The Helmond, Netherlands, native played at Saint Leo from 2013-16 and claimed All-Sunshine State Conference second team honors in singles in 2014. Verberne helped the Lions claim the Sunshine State Conference regular season and tournament titles and advance to the NCAA Division II national title match. Additionally, he reached as high as No. 82 in the men's Netherland's rankings.
 
Verberne graduated with a bachelor's in sport business from Saint Leo in 2015 and earned a master of business administration from Saint Leo in 2018.