The Valparaiso University tennis program and head coach Bob Modesto have announced that Olivia Czerwonka will remain with the program as a graduate assistant coach after spending the last five seasons as a member of the team.

“I’m really excited that I’m not done with tennis,” Czerwonka said. “I’m thrilled to step into a coaching role. It’s a little bit different than being a player, but I’ve learned from the best in Claire and Bob. I’m excited for this new chapter, and I’m hoping for a good year for the team next year.”

Czerwonka replaces her sister Claire, who held the position of graduate assistant coach for the last two seasons. Olivia rewrote the program record books during her time as a student-athlete, compiling 88 career singles wins and 78 career doubles wins to set new standards in both areas.

“It’s a dream come true to have a player of Olivia’s stature, ability level and organizational skills come on board and succeed her sister, who did a phenomenal job,” Modesto said. “We are expecting great success and are excited about the next two years.”  

Czerwonka’s long list of career accolades includes 2021-22 Valparaiso University Female Athlete of the Year, 2021-22 Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year, Fall 2021 MVC Flight 1 Doubles Champion and Fall 2021 Flight 2 MVC Singles Champion. She was also a multi-time all-conference performer and four-time MVC Scholar-Athlete First Team choice. Czerwonka collected a dozen MVC weekly awards in her career. She went 25-8 in singles during the 2023-24 season, ranking second in program history for single-season singles wins.