Long Beach State has officially named Gertjan De Wilder as the Head Coach of the Women鈥檚 Tennis program, removing his interim status after a successful season. De Wilder previously served as an assistant coach for three years before guiding the team to a 13-12 record and a semifinal appearance in the Big West Championship. Recognized for building a strong foundation and fostering growth both on and off the court, he has earned the respect of players and staff alike. Executive Director of Athletics, Bobby Smitheran, praised De Wilder's efforts in recruiting talent and establishing a positive team culture. With multiple postseason accolades achieved last season, expectations remain high for future success under his leadership.

By the Numbers
  • 13-12 overall record for the 2025-26 season.
  • Cecilia Costa earned All-Big West First Team singles recognition with a team-best 21-12 record.
  • The Beach maintained a team GPA above 3.50 during the 2025-26 academic year.
State of Play
  • De Wilder enters his fifth season with a talented roster aiming for Big West championships.
  • The team is building momentum with strong academic and athletic performances.
What's Next

As De Wilder establishes himself in his permanent role, the focus will shift to recruiting and developing further talent, aiming to enhance the competitive edge of the program. The upcoming seasons will be pivotal as they work toward sustained achievements in both championships and academics.

Bottom Line

Gertjan De Wilder鈥檚 appointment as Head Coach signals a commitment to excellence in both athletics and academics for Long Beach State鈥檚 Women鈥檚 Tennis program. His leadership has fostered growth, and the future looks promising as they pursue championship aspirations.