SAN ANTONIO — Not everyone makes the successful transition from on the court to on the sidelines, but St. Mary's University Assistant Men's and Women's Tennis coach
Angela Vargas has made the transition from student-athlete to coach seamlessly, and was Monday named the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) South Central Region Women's Assistant Coach of the Year for her efforts.
Vargas recently wrapped up her second year as assistant coach for the Rattlers after earning All-Conference honors in both 2022 and 2023, helping the Rattlers to back-to-back Lone Star Tournament titles. She transferred to St. Mary's from Southern Arkansas, where she was a two-time All-Conference selection as well as the GAC Freshman of the Year in 2019.
"I think it's a well-earned award for Angela," said Director of Tennis
Bill Macom. "She has gained a lot of respect from players and coaches in our division. Being in this position for two years, she has the maturity of a seasoned coach. Since I have known her, she has been a tireless and determined worker. She showed that as a student-athlete, coming back stronger and wiser from a bad injury during her senior year and bringing that intensity into her coaching career."
As an assistant coach, Vargas has helped direct the Rattlers to back-to-back Lone Star Conference Tournament appearances and a share of the regular-season title in 2025.
"It is not easy to find someone of her integrity to be a part of a coaching team," Macom stated. "She always has new ideas to mix in with old ones that make being a part of a coaching staff fun. I look forward to the day when she lands her first head coaching job because I believe she'll be great at it."
In two years as the assistant coach, the women's team is a combined 30-12, advancing to the NCAA South Central Regional this past year.
