Valeriya Zeleva has been appointed as the new head coach of the University of Houston women's tennis program, subject to approval by the UH System Board of Regents. Zeleva brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at Auburn, where she coached the Tigers to a 2026 National Runner-Up finish and multiple SEC titles. She is a distinguished former player at UCF, twice earning American Athletic Conference Player of the Year accolades and achieving a career-high rank of No. 17 in singles. Zeleva's vision includes creating a competitive environment that fosters the development of student-athletes and builds strong community ties. Her excitement for the role underscores a commitment to elevating Houston's tennis program to new heights.

By the Numbers
  • Zeleva coached Auburn to a 37-7 record this past season, including a perfect 22-0 record at home.
  • Under her coaching, Auburn secured the 2026 SEC Regular Season and Tournament Championship titles.
Yes, But

While Zeleva's track record is impressive, transitioning to a head coach role presents new challenges, such as managing a diverse roster and maintaining competitive performance in a different conference environment.

State of Play
  • Houston’s tennis program is actively looking to rebuild and enhance its competitive stature in collegiate tennis.
  • Building relationships within the university community and with alumni will be crucial for Zeleva’s success.
What's Next

Zeleva is expected to commence her role with a focus on recruiting top athletic talent and implementing training regimens that align with her high-performance coaching philosophy. The program's upcoming season will be pivotal in establishing its direction under her leadership.

Bottom Line

Zeleva’s appointment signals a promising new chapter for Houston Tennis, with her proven expertise offering a clear path toward revitalizing the program and achieving greater success in collegiate tennis.