Angelo Anastopoulo announced his retirement on Apr. 28 after serving as head coach of the College of Charleston women’s tennis team for 35 years and as Director of Tennis for 24 years.
Anastopoulo’s long tenure has made him the longest-serving coach at the College, surpassing previous records and leaving a significant mark on both the program and collegiate tennis. His leadership is credited with shaping not only athletic success but also academic achievement among student-athletes.
“What I’ve learned over the course of my career is that it takes a village to run a successful program,” said Anastopoulo. “I want to thank the many people and staff who helped our players physically and academically, the individual who strung all of our rackets, the staff at Patriots Point, the groundskeepers, the generous donors, the wonderful alumni, all the tennis officials and the many talented assistant coaches who helped coach our teams.”
During his career, Anastopoulo compiled an overall coaching record of 793-353 (.692), including a record with the women’s team of 621-274 (.694). He ranks eighth all-time among NCAA Division I women’s tennis head coaches in career victories (621) and is in the top-40 all-time in winning percentage (.692). On March 29, 2025, he achieved his 600th career win with a victory over UNCW. In addition to numerous conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, he was recognized as Coach of the Year multiple times across different conferences.
Director of Athletics Matt Roberts said: “The years of service Coach Anastopoulo has given not only to the College of Charleston, but the Charleston community and collegiate tennis as a whole is truly amazing. He has positively impacted the lives of so many young people through tennis. We will be forever grateful for the lasting legacy he will leave behind.” Senior Associate Director Jerry Baker added: “With over 600 wins, he is an icon of college tennis. He has been an unbelievable leader and touched so many lives”
Anastopoulo also highlighted key relationships during his time at Charleston: “My two biggest confidantes and friends at The College have been Volunteer Coach Billy Silcox and Men’s Coach Jay Bruner… Without [Silcox’s] guidance and mentorship I would never have succeeded at The College… We get along so well [with Bruner]. We have always split responsibilities… CofC is very blessed to have him.” He also thanked parents for their trust: “I’d like to thank parents who entrusted me with their children… Winning is awesome but academics and contributing back to community is even better.” To his players he said: “Thank you for keeping me young… It’s been more than wins; it’s about relationships I’ve nurtured over years.”
In addition to coaching duties, Anastopoulo taught beginner tennis classes as an adjunct faculty member for over three decades at Charleston. He emphasized teaching more than just sport skills—focusing on life lessons—and credited support from family throughout his tenure.
A national search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
