Kate Rippe enters her second season on the Musketeer staff as a volunteer assistant coach for both the men's and women's teams after serving as the assistant coach for the 2007-08 season.

"Although I am disappointed to lose Kate as my everyday assistant coach, I am pleased that she will stay on staff on a volunteer basis," head coach Eric Toth said.

"Kate's daily presence was crucial to the success both teams experienced last year. Any time she can give to this program will no doubt affect our student-athletes in a positive way."

Rippe has spent the last three seasons as a tennis instructor at Eastern Hills Indoor and has just completed her first summer as a teaching assistant at Hyde Park Country Club. Kate instructs students of all ages and ability levels and enjoys being a part of improving her students' skills and tactics on the court.

Rippe, 26, 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.