Anthony Rossi, a French native, was elevated to head coach of the VCU Men's Tennis program in August of 2018 after serving one year as an assistant for the program. In his four seasons, he's led the program to a string of championships and acclaim.Â
In his first five years at the helm, Rossi has compiled a 79-31 record, led VCU to four conference titles and was named Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year on four occasions (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023).
In the 2023 season, the Rams won their fourth straight A-10 championship (the 2020 Championship was not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and fourth NCAA appearance. Charles Bertimon was also selected to play in the NCAA singles tournament. The Rams had five players selected to the A-10 first team and Bertimon was named the conferences most outstanding player.
In 2022, the Rams won another A-10 championship and qualified for the NCAA tournament. Rossi helped guide twin brothers Charles and Max Bertimon to an NCAA Doubles Semifinal appearance. For their efforts, the Bertimons were named ITA All-Americans. VCU's 2022 squad also advanced to the second round of the NCAA team tourament via a 4-3 victory over Penn.Â
During the 2017-18 season, Rossi served as an assistant to longtime VCU Coach Paul Kostin and helped the Rams to a 16-10 record and an A-10 title.
Prior to VCU, Rossi served as a volunteer assistant for the Wildcats men’s team for the 2013-14 season before moving into a graduate assistant role from 2014-16. He helped to guide Kentucky to an SEC tournament semifinal and an NCAA Sweet 16.Â
A premier player for Kentucky from 2010-13, Rossi was named an All-American after his senior season, earning him a place in the University of Kentucky Tennis Hall of Fame. Serving as a captain for his junior and senior years, Rossi was a First Team All-SEC selection during both campaigns. He was also named to the SEC All-Tournament Team in 2012 and the All-Freshman First Team in 2010.Â
Rossi also spent a year with Cliff Drysdale Tennis in Key Biscayne, Fla., as a tennis professional. He instructed private lessons and clinics to different age groups, managed a USTA ladies team, and coached the Carrollton Junior High team.
A standout in the classroom as well as the court, Rossi was on the SEC Honor Roll from 2011-13. He completed his Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Economics in 2013 and his Master’s Degree with Specialization in Sport Leadership in 2016, both from the University of Kentucky.