Newberry College Appoints Aletta Macheli as Head Coach for Tennis Teams

Newberry College Welcomes Aletta Macheli as Head Tennis Coach

In the charming city of Newberry, big changes are buzzing in the tennis community. After an impressive stint asacting head coach during the 2023-24 season, Aletta Macheli has officially been named head coach of the Newberry College Wolves women’s and men’s tennis teams. This exciting announcement comes from Newberry College Athletics, and it has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among players and fans alike.

A Stellar Transition

As we look back at the season, it’s clear that Macheli stepped into this role under challenging circumstances. She took over after the school year had already kicked off, following the departure of the previous head coach. Despite the rocky start, she managed to lead the women’s team to the NCAA Tournament, marking their second entry in just three seasons. What a remarkable achievement!

“I am extremely proud of what Coach Macheli accomplished this season,” said Sean Johnson, the Athletics Director. “Her leadership and dedication were nothing short of amazing.” With a dual match record of 12-8, the women’s team showed resilience and determination that few can rival. Meanwhile, the men’s team faced their share of hurdles, finishing the season with a record of 4-14, largely due to injuries that hampered their progress. Still, Macheli remains optimistic and committed to both teams.

Excitement for the Future

Reflecting on her experiences this past season, Macheli expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This year was a great experience coaching our men’s and women’s tennis teams. I am very excited to continue to work with both teams and help them reach their best potential.” The passion she has for the sport and her players is undeniable, and her motivation is contagious. “Let’s go Wolves!” she exclaimed, setting an encouraging tone for the future ahead.

A Bright Academic Record

What’s equally impressive is that both tennis teams have shown academic excellence. The women’s team achieved a commendable 3.5 cumulative grade point average, while the men’s team followed closely with a 3.37 GPA. It’s a testament to Macheli’s commitment to not only developing athletic skills but also ensuring that her athletes prioritize their academic missions.

Career Journey of Coach Macheli

Before arriving at Newberry, Macheli was gaining valuable experience as a graduate assistant at East Texas Baptist University. During her time there, she contributed to the Tigers achieving a regional ranking for the first time since 2019—something that certainly speaks volumes about her coaching capabilities.

Macheli’s own journey in the sport began as an undergraduate athlete. She played two seasons at Cowley County Community College in Kansas, a season at Barton College, and ultimately wrapped up her college career with two seasons at Mars Hill. Her dedication to academics and athletics was recognized when she earned the ITA All-American Scholar-Athlete honors back in 2019-20.

From South Africa to Newberry

A native of Bloemfontein, South Africa, Macheli has charted an impressive academic path. She earned her associates degree from Cowley County Community College in 2019, followed by her undergraduate degree from Mars Hill in 2022, and finally, her master’s degree from East Texas Baptist in 2023. With such a rich blend of athletic and academic experiences, there’s no doubt she is the right fit for Newberry College.

Looking Ahead

As the community of Newberry rallies around its teams, the announcement of Macheli’s permanent role as head coach is indeed a positive development. Wayne Alexander, the search committee chair and Senior Associate Athletics Director, shared his excitement: “She did a great job under tough circumstances last year, and I’m excited to see how she continues to develop the student athletes and add to the foundation of success in our tennis programs.”

With all eyes on Macheli, the Wolves are poised for a thrilling season ahead. So let’s cheer them on and see just how far they can go under her guidance!