SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Ben Cabell, heading into his 11th season as Santa Clara's women's tennis head coach, has completed his staff.

 

Kristina Smith, an exceptional WTA tour player, has been hired as the assistant coach for the women's tennis team.

 

"We're really happy to have her here," said Cabell. "It's been a great process hiring her and doing the interviews. She's going to add a lot of experience and new ideas to the program. It's going to be a great asset for me as a coach, as well as for the girls on the team. She has a lot of experience as a junior player, playing tournaments, as a college player, having a lot of success at UC Irvine, and then playing on tour. She brings a lot of knowledge and wealth to the program. I couldn't be happier, and she's going to do a great job."

 

Smith who has traveled around the globe to compete in eight different countries has earned world ranking of 830 in singles and 711 in doubles.

 

Since 2010, Smith has served as a hitting coach and partner for top junior tennis players around south Orange County, providing them with guidance to strengthen their physical and mental performance.

 

Smith started her collegiate career at UC Irvine and helped the Anteaters achieve a season high national ranking of 23 and a second round appearance in the 2013 NCAA team tournament.

 

"This is my first college coaching experience," said Smith. "I am really excited to be apart of the program with Ben and also the girls on the team."

 

Smith began her new role last month.

 

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