SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, June 1, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — Utah women’s tennis coach Ric Mortera is leaving the program after five seasons to pursue other opportunities, university officials announced Saturday.
Mortera was hired in June 2019 and guided the Utes to a 57-51 overall record in dual matches, including a 10-32 mark in Pac-12 Conference play. Utah finished the 2023-24 season with a 12-10 overall record, including 3-7 in Pac-12 matches.
“I would like to thank the University of Utah and [Athletics Director] Mark Harlan for the opportunity to coach the Utah women’s tennis program for the past five years,” Mortera said. “After a lot of reflection, I believe the time has come for me to pursue other opportunities in my life outside of tennis.
“To the student-athletes I was fortunate enough to coach, thank you! I am proud of all we accomplished together, milestones we crossed, and the experiences we shared. You have made me a better person and I am forever grateful. I will always be a fan and am excited to see what the next era of Utah women’s tennis will bring.”
Mortera’s departure comes just two years after he signed a five-year contract extension following the 2021-22 season. The Utes started 9-0 that season and finished 15-11 overall and 3-7 in Pac-12 matches, earning him Wilson/ITA Mountain Region Coach of the Year honors.
Mortera’s resignation is effective immediately and a national search for his replacement is underway, university officials said.
Prior to coaching at Utah, Mortera spent one season as women’s tennis coach at Fresno State and led the Bulldogs to a 9-12 overall record. He previously spent three seasons as the associate head coach at Texas Tech. He also served as an assistant at Illinois and Purdue.
The Portland, Oregon, native was a four-year letter winner at Oregon. He graduated in 2010 with degrees in both economics and political science after ranking as high as No. 45 in the ITA his senior season. He also earned a master’s in sport management from Texas Tech in 2018.
