ELKINS, W. Va. — Davis & Elkins College announced Thursday that alumnus Viktor Yanev has been selected as the new head coach for the men's and women's tennis programs, concluding an extensive search.
A 2025 D&E graduate and former standout for the Senators, Yanev steps into the role after building a strong reputation as both a high-level collegiate player and an emerging international coach.
"We finally found the right fit," said Director of Athletics Dr. Jennifer Riggleman. "Viktor's familiarity with our program, his commitment to player development, and his passion for Davis & Elkins College make him a tremendous addition to our coaching staff."
During his collegiate career, he was a three-time All-Mountain East Conference First Team selection and earned national singles rankings of No. 47 (2022) and No. 48 (2024) in NCAA Division II. Internationally, he reached No. 8 in Bulgaria's U18 rankings and has coached a Top 50 Tennis Europe U14 player.
His recent work as a private tennis coach in Sofia, Bulgaria, focused on technical development, footwork, and mental training. His coaching approach emphasizes sportsmanship, individualized training plans, and enhancing player performance through detailed skill refinement.
He also previously served as an assistant coach and student helper at D&E, evaluating athletes, designing practice routines, and offering personalized feedback to improve match readiness.
Yanev will assume all head coaching responsibilities and begin preparations for the Senators' spring season.