Women's Tennis: Maggi ready for first season as head coach

In just over a week, the Long Beach City College women's tennis team will officially open the 2015 season on February 6 at Fullerton College. New head coach Renzo Maggi and his squad of Vikings are ready for the challenge.

Maggi was took over the women's tennis program back in August. He brings coaching as well as playing experience at the collegiate and junior levels to LBCC. He also holds an adjunct instructor position with the college.

"Renzo brings a wealth of playing experience as well as a fiery, youthful energy that our tennis program really needs," said Cascio. "He was a stand-out player at Los Alamitos High School and at Loyola Marymount University. We were extremely fortunate to be able to add Renzo to our coaching staff."

Recently, Maggi served as a coach for legendary USC tennis head coach Peter Smith's Elite Tennis Camp. He also served as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Loyola Marymount University.

Prior to coaching, Maggi was a four-year (2006-10) standout at Loyola Marymount. While at LMU, he earned honorable mentions All-West Coast Conference honors for doubles in 2008 and was a third-team All-WCC selection in 2009.

Originally from Florida, Maggi was a top junior in the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Florida Southern Section. 

Maggi is a 2006 graduate of nearby Los Alamitos High School. He was also a standout prep basketball player, helping lead Los Alamitos to a 2006 CIF Southern Section championship and Sunset League title.

Maggi earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies in 2012 from Loyola Marymount. He currently resides in Rossmoor.

He replaces Ken Thomas, who left after coaching the Vikings to a 3-9 overall record last season. Prior to 2014, the Vikings hadn't won a match since 2010 and went a combined 0-37 over a three season stretch (2011-13).

"My goal is to improve everyone's game," said Maggi. "It's hard to take someone who hasn't played and turn them into an above-average player. But it is very rewarding."

Maggi will look to returning sophomores Marianne Tigas, Judith Aguilar, and Chaira Freedom for leadership. Tigas played primarily at the No. 1 position in singles and doubles last season with Aguilar usually holding down the No. 2 singles and No. 3 doubles positions.