Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech head coach Jim Thompson announced the additions of assistant coaches Aaron Marchetti and Chip Webb to the men's tennis staff on Thursday.
Marchetti, a 2009 Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame inductee, played for the Hokies from 1995 to 1999. While in Blacksburg, he claimed three Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors from 1997 to 1999 and the league's Rookie of the Year award in 1996. Tech claimed four Atlantic 10 titles in the four seasons that Marchetti donned the maroon and orange. Teaming up with his brother, Adam, the doubles pair earned two NCAA berths in 1998 and 1999 – finishing 33rd and 35th in the final rankings, respectively.
"I am so excited to bring Aaron Marchetti back to Blacksburg and work with him to build our program to new heights," Thompson said of the hire. "He loves Virginia Tech and will be both a great recruiter, as well as an on-court coach. He brings great energy and has been known as a motivator and teacher. He's well respected in tennis throughout the country and I could not be happier to have him coming back 'home' at this time."
In his senior season, the Williamstown, W.Va. native finished a career high No. 15 in the final ITA Rankings, which earned him ITA All-American honors – joining Oliver Mayo (1996) as the only other Hokie to claim that recognition at the time. Since then, Joao Monteiro has joined the list of All-Americans at Tech with his run to the 'Final Four' in 2016.
Marchetti's comes most recently from Edmond, Okla., where he served as the Director of Player Development and Coaching at Edmond Center Court, following tenures at various tennis centers and country clubs across the country. Under his tutelage, two of Marchetti's (clients) – Brooklyn Olson and Bradley Frye – have claimed USTA national titles.
Virginia Tech's second assistant addition, Chip Webb, steps into his role with collegiate playing experience in the ACC. As a four-year letter winner at Florida State and accomplished juniors player, Webb spent time as the tennis professional at Tennis Academy of the South in Dunwoody, Ga.
"Chip Webb is going to be a great college coach," Thompson noted. "I've known Chip for a long, long time and I'm so excited that he has decided this is what he really wants to do, and that he wants to do it with me in Blacksburg. Coaching is a natural fit for him as he is a tenacious competitor who loves tennis. He will bring great insights to our players on how to be mentally tough and reach their full potential."
With the Seminoles, Webb earned first team All-ACC recognition in 2005 while Florida State finished runner-ups in the ACC Championships.
Prior to his college career, Webb claimed titles in Tennessee and Florida at the 16s level. He went on to earn a Round of 16 appearance in Hardcourt Nationals and the Easter Bowl at the 18s level in singles and a third-place finish in 18s doubles at the Easter Bowl. Webb achieved rankings of No. 1 in Tennesse boys 16s singles, No. 2 in Souther boys 15s singles and No. 7 U.S. boys 16s singles in his career, as well.