Florida Hires Anthony Rossi as Men’s Tennis Associate Head Coach – Florida Gators

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The University Athletic Association has hired Anthony Rossi as Associate Head Coach of the Florida Gators Men’s Tennis Program, joining the staff for year two under Head Coach Adam Steinberg. Rossi takes the role vacated by Mat Cloer, who has accepted a job with the USTA in player development after two seasons with the Gators.
 
Rossi Brings with him a championship coaching and playing pedigree, returning to the SEC after seven seasons as a coach in the A-10, six as head coach of the VCU Rams. 
 
“We are very excited about Anthony Rossi joining the Gator family,” said Steinberg. “After an exhaustive search, Coach Rossi checked every box in the decision to offer the position of Associate Head Coach. From his outstanding playing background in the SEC, to an exemplary career as head coach of the VCU Rams that included recruiting, player development and a building a team-first culture with a high level of integrity, we are so fortunate to bring a coach of Anthony’s caliber to Gainesville. “
 
“My wife Hagan and I are excited and honored to join Gator Nation,” Rossi said. “Florida is one of the premier athletic departments in the country, and the tennis program is rich in history and tradition. I can’t wait to work with and learn from Adam [Steinberg] every day, and to support an incredible group of student athletes.”
 
Rossi 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 first five years at the helm, Rossi compiled a 79-31 record, led VCU to five conference titles and was named Atlantic 10 Conference Coach of the Year on five occasions (2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).

During the 2024 season, Rossi Led the Rams to their fifth-straight A-10 championship, and did not drop a single dual match point in the tournament en route to the title. VCU claimed victory against Princeton in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Charlottesville Regional. Rossi led Senior Matisse Bobichon to a win in the NCAA singles tournament round of 64. Under Rossi’s tutelage, Junior Mathis Bondaz played to a No. 57 ranking per ITA, and was named the conference’s most outstanding performer.

In the 2023 season, the Rams collected an A-10 championship 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, 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. 

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 Kentucky 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. 

 

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. 

 

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.