Aug. 18, 2003
SAN DIEGO - Christy Panter, a standout student-athlete for the Aztec women's tennis team from 1992-96, has been named assistant women's tennis coach, head coach Peter Mattera announced Monday.
Panter, a four-year letterwinner for the Aztecs, recorded 46 singles victories and 37 doubles victories on Aztec teams that combined to post a 54-46 record during her tenure. All four Aztec teams she played on were nationally ranked, with the 1993 squad ending the campaign rated 18th in the country. She returns to her alma mater following the departure of Susheel Gulati.
"I could not be happier to have Christy rejoin our program," Mattera said. "She is a high-energy, enthusiastic person who our players will feed off. She will play a critical role as we attempt to defend the conference title and look to go deeper in the NCAA Tournament."
A two-time all-conference performer, the former Christy Propstra helped guide the Aztecs to the NCAA Tournament in 1993 and 1996. She also excelled in the classroom, twice earning all-conference academic recognition and earning the Aztec Scholar Athlete Award in 1996.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts from San Diego State University in 1996, Panter earned a master's degree in family therapy from the University of San Francisco in 1999. In addition to co-authoring the sports psychology workbook Mind Gym, she most recently worked as a counselor and therapist at San Diego Children's Hospital and as a fitness instructor at Frogs.
"I am very excited to be back and work for Peter, who I was fortunate enough to play for," Panter said. "I have wanted to get back into coaching and back to San Diego State ever since I graduated. My goal is to help San Diego State return to the top 20. This is a tremendous opportunity."
Panter will assist in all aspects of the program including recruiting, scheduling, day-to-day office duties, as well as the implementation of practice schedules and on-court coaching.
The San Diego State women's tennis team is coming off a 22-6 season and claimed the 2003 Mountain West Conference regular season and post-season championships. The Aztecs advanced to the NCAA team tournament for the seventh time in eight seasons and the 17th time in the 22-year history of the championship. The 17 NCAA Tournament appearances tie for the 10th most nationally.