London takes over women's tennis team

Former Arizona women's tennis assistant Stephanie London has been named to succeed head coach Becky Bell, who left her post for an administrative job within the athletic department.

"Becoming a head coach is what I have been preparing for in the past five years," London said. "To get a job at a Pacific 10 Conference school, and one with which I am familiar, really is special. I could not be more enthusiastic," she said. "Becky built a very good program and set some standards. I hope to not only continue that, but to build it even further."

London, 28, a former professional on the Virginia Slims and Women's Tennis Associations tours and an assistant coach at The University of Arizona from 1994 to 1996, was also a three-time All-American at the University of Southern California. London earned a degree in communication arts and sciences in 1991 at USC.

After touring as a professional in the year following her graduation, London was an assistant coach at USC from 1992 to 1994. She then joined Bell's Arizona staff and worked closely with All-Americans Khristin Pietrucha, Stephanie Sammaritano and Vicky Maes.

For the past 16 months, London has been national coordinator for World Team Tennis, overseeing 37 WTT tournament or league coordinators and administering a variety of events and corporate sponsorships.

London graduated from Miraleste High School in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif. where she played extensively as a junior. She was a 1987 prep All-American and helped lead the school to the state CIF-4A championship in 1985 and 1987.

UA Athletic Director Jim Livengood said London is a solid choice for the job of taking over a program which, under Bell, has made 10 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Championships, including the national semifinals in 1993.

"Stephanie is a former Wildcat coach and knows the ropes in Pac-10 tennis, which is grueling competition. She's a bright student of the game with a background as a junior, a collegian, a professional, a collegiate coach and her national WTT managment, too. We are extremely pleased to have her join the staff," he said.