Kate Weightman Rippe is entering her first year as an assistant coach for the Xavier University men's and women's tennis teams. She will serve as the academics liaison for both teams and will also actively participate in day-to-day team practices.

"I am very pleased to add Kate Rippe to the Men's and Women's tennis staff," commented head coach Eric Toth. "During her four years here at Xavier she excelled in the classroom, was part of two teams that were one match away from the NCAA Tournament and also finished her career as the third all-time winningest singles player at Xavier. She knows what it takes to be a successful student-athlete here at Xavier and will no doubt have a tremendous influence on our teams."

Before returning to her alma mater, Rippe spent the past two years working at Eastern Hills Indoor Tennis Club as a tennis instructor. She instructs students of all ages and ability levels, working to improve skills and strategy tactics as well as how to strengthen their form.

Rippe, 25, earned her bachelor's degree in business administration from Xavier in 2004 while earning four letters as a tennis team member. She was a Scholar Athlete for seven semesters and was also named to the Atlantic 10 Commissioner's Honor Roll. The former Kate Weightman married Brent Rippe over the summer and the couple resides in Cincinnati.