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MIKE NAPOLI- WOMEN’S TENNIS
mnapoli@cuesta.edu
In his twenty-one seasons as a head coach, Mike has accumulated an impressive 257-95-1 overall record. He has guided Cuesta College to eleven Western State Conference Championships and eleven Top-5 finishes. He was named WSC Coach of the Year in 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2004 and 2008. In 2002 and again in 2008 he was also named the State Coach of the Year. Under Napoli’s watch, his team won 29 consecutive WSC matches from 1996 to 1999 and in 1998 the Cougars were State Runner-Up. The 1993, 2000, 2002 and, 2004 teams all finished third in the final State rankings.
Mike's tennis experience is extensive and widespread. As a pro player, he has competed in several top tournaments throughout his career, including the U.S. Clay Court Championships. He has directed several world class tennis resorts along with being the pro and head director of tennis camps at several tennis centers including Indiana, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, Nevada, and Puerto Rico.
Before assuming the reigns as head coach at Cuesta College, he served as an assistant men's coach at Cal Poly, as well as an assistant for the men and women's teams at Cuesta. While assisting at Cal Poly, he was part of Cal Poly's 1986 Division II national title.
Mike played at nationally ranked Chico State and Butte College. He was inducted into the Butte College Hall of Fame in 1972.
Mike is married to wife, Londa, and they have two boys, Michael and Brandon. Brandon is a former Cuesta Track and Field athlete. Mike also has two daughters, Andrea and Alisha.

Schedule

2009 Schedule

Preview

Cuesta Tennis Reloads for 2009 Title Run

SAN LUIS OBISPO (February 2, 2009)—The Cuesta Women’s Tennis team return’s four 2008 All Western State Conference First Team selections, including the circuit’s MVP, and a talented group of newcomers for the 2009 campaign. Cuesta swept the Western State Conference in 2008 and finished fourth in the final state rankings with a 16-1 record as a team. 2008 Western State Conference, CCCAA State and ITA National JC Coach of the Year Mike Napoli (257-94-1/22nd year) says, “We are stronger than last year and we have a core group willing to demonstrate daily that they want to win.” The Cougars are favored for program’s 14th conference title and to make another run for the elusive State Title. The Cougars have finished in the top five in the State ten times, but lost their only state title match, 5-4, in 1998. This year Napoli says, “We have the experience to win conference and have a rush at the state, “ he added, “Our formula for success is ‘C” to the power of three. Confidence equals consistency times composure times concentration.” Napoli noted his team’s willingness to battle for every point and that the players draw for their teammates intensity. The Cougars have the depth and experience for a very successful 2009 campaign.
The Cougars season opener is scheduled for February 3rd on their home courts against Sequoias (2 PM).
The top spot in the Cougars ladder is set with returning All American Chloe Redman (Morro Bay HS) back for her sophomore year. Redman was the 2008 Western State Conference Player of the Year and posted a 21-5 nark in singles play and 16-5 in doubles. Coach Napoli says, “We are confident she will be OK (at this level), but we are looking towards the future to get her ready for the next level. We are going to be demanding more of her mentally and in her skills to reach her potential.”
Coach Napoli feels that the next three spots in the line-up can be filled by three players, but he begins with 2008 Western State Conference First Teamer Devin Merigold (Irvine) playing right behind Redman. Merigold was 17-1 in singles play last year and was dominant against the WSC. She did not lose a single set in conference play and did not lose more that four games in a conference match. Merigold qualified for the 2008 Southern California Regional Tournament in both singles and doubles play, but did not play. She and partner Whitney Whiting (San Diego), were also named to the 2008 all-WSC squad as a pair. They were 5-1 together and Merigold was 9-2 overall in pairs.
Westmont transfer Erin McGurty (Atascadero HS) has returned to San Luis Obispo for her sophomore season after playing #3 for the Warriors after an undefeated senior season at Atascadero High. Napoli says, “She is a tough competitor and is a good doubles player.” Napoli is planning to pair McGurty with Devin Merigold (Irvine) in doubles.
2008 All Western State Conference First Team selection Whitney Whiting (San Diego) played #3 and #4 last season for the Cougars, but with her improved serve she is looking to climb the ladder. She was 16-2 in singles play last year and 12-5 in doubles play. Whiting, whom Napoli calls “consistent and tenacious”, earned a playoff berth as an individual and lasted until the second round of the 2008 Southern California Regional Playoffs. After losing her doubles partner, Devin Merigold (Irvine), for the 2008 So-Cal Tournament, Napoli had her pair with Chloe Redman (Morro Bay HS). The duo advanced to the regional final and lost a tiebreaker for the chance to advance to the State Tournament. It was their first time playing together and Napoli plans to keep them together for this season. He says, “They know each other and play well together.”
2008 All Western State Conference First Team selection Hannah Crampton (Arroyo Grande HS) is slated for the #5 spot in singles and #3 doubles. She began the 2008 season as a reserve, but worked her way up the ladder and played a match as high as #3 on the ladder. She ended the season with a 12-2 mark in singles and 3-2 in doubles. Napoli says, “She is a rock. She is very steady and will hold down the bottom of our line-up.”
The Cougars and Coach Napoli have three freshmen players vying for the final spot in the line up. Napoli says, “Each of them will have a chance to start and have shown the ability to help the team win.” Freshman Bre Rowan (SLO HS) has displayed the skill to move up the ladder in singles and will begin the season paired with Hannah Crampton (Arroyo Grande HS) on the #3 doubles team. Napoli says, “They are a good combination and work well on the court. Hannah works the ball well and Rowan can finish at the net.” All Ventura County choice Laura Haines (Ventura HS) and Hannah Spencer (Fresno) both add talent and depth to the Cuesta roster.

Game Notes

TENNIS

#3 Saddleback 5, #2 Cuesta 4

Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (Cue) d. Kristina Drzymkowski (S); 6-2, 6-1
#2 Erin McGurty (Cue) d. Rylee Stowell (S); 6-3, 6-1
#3 Clara Kearney (S) d. Whitney Whiting (Cue); 6-3, 7-5
#4 Erika Kagawa (S) d. Hannah Crampton (Cue); 6-2, 6-0
#5 Laura Haines (Cue) d. Michelle Neville (S); 6-0, 6-0
#6 Carrisa Fleming (S) d. Bre Rowan (Cue); 4-6, 6-2, 6-2

Doubles
#1Drzymkowski/Stowell (S) d. Redman/Whiting (C); 6-4, 4-6, 6-2
#2 Crampton/McGurty (C) d. Kagawa/Neville (S); 6-4, 6-4
#3 Kearney/Nicole St Jean (S)d. Haines/Rowan (C); 6-7 (7-4), 7-6 (7-1), 6-3

Notes- #3 Saddleback extended #2 Cuesta to the third set at both #1 and #3 doubles and legged out a 5-4 win over the Cougars, who completed their first round win over #7 Cerritos yesterday. The two teams split the singles competition at three matches apiece, but the Cougars took a 4-3 lead after their #2 doubles team of Hannah Crampton and Erin McGurty claimed a straight set victory (6-4, 6-4). However at that point the Cougars and Gauchos #1 doubles had each split a 6-4 win, while at #3 doubles each team had won a tie-breaker set. The Gauchos needed to win both to advance in the playoffs and the Cougars, who were in their eighth hour of playoff tennis in the past thirty hours, fell 6-2 at #1 and 6-3 at #3 in the deciding sets. The loss was the Cougars first of the year and sent the Gauchos onto the regional final against #1 Desert next Tuesday.

Next- Cuesta's team season is over, but the Cougars will play as individuals this weekend in he Ojai Tournament.

CUESTA TENNIS

#2 Cuesta 5, #7 Cerritos 1

Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (Cue) d. Samantha nadres (Cerr); 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
#2 Erin McGurty (Cue) d. Gabriela Diaz (Cerr); 6-1, 6-0
#3 Whitney Whiting (Cue) d. Christina Nguyen (Cerr); 6-0, 6-0
#4 Alana Johnson (Cerr) d. Hannah Crampton (Cue); 6-2, 6-2
#5 Laura Haines (Cue) d. Shamariah De Rojas (Cerr); 2-6, 6-4, 6-2
#6 Bre Rowan (Cue) d. Christina Sanchez (Cerr); 6-0, 6-1

Notes- #2 Cuesta advances to the second round of the 2009 Southern California Regional Playoffs by beating #7 Cerritos. The match was resumed on Monday April 20th after being postponed due to high winds on April 14th, which forced the stoppage of the match. The Cougars eventually beat the Falcons during singles play by a 5-1 margin and did not need to play doubles after earning their fifth and deciding win of the potentially nine contests. Two of the matches went to a third set, including at #1 singles which was the final set to end and clinch the victory for the Cougars, while also stave off doubles play. Cuesta's Chloe Redman and Cerritos' Samantha Nadres played a match equal to the billing afforded each teams top player. They split the first two sets with each taking control of the match during their respective sets. In the third set Nadres continued to roll and built a 4-1 lead only to have Redman bounce back and close out the vicotry by winning the last five games for the 6-4 win. The win provided the Cougars with the winning margin, 5-1, and marked the second straight year that the Cougars had knocked the Falcons out the post-season.

Next- The Cougars are now 13-0 on the year and host #3 Saddleback in the second round on April 21st.

WOMEN'S TENNIS

Notes- The Southern California Regional First Round Playoff match between #2 Cuesta and #7 Cerritos has been postponed for Monday, April 20th. The match, which began today and was stopped after 20 minutes of play, will be resume at the same point on Monday at 2PM in SLO. The winner of the match will play in the second round on Tuesday- April 21st. Today's wind force the match's postponement.

TENNIS

Cuesta 7, Glendale 2

Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (C) d. Neldia Hacobian (G); 6-3, 6-1
#2 Erin McGurty (C) d. Monigue Palmera (G); 6-1, 6-0
#3 Sarah Aguilar (G) d. Whitney Whiting (C); 6-4, 6-3
#4 Hannah Crampton (C) d. Minelle Ebrahimi (G); 6-4, 7-6 (7-2)
#5 Laura Haines (C) d. Armine Balayan (G); 6-1, 6-1
#6 Alex Tzvetanova (G) d. Bre Rowan (C); 6-0, 4-6, 7-6 (7-3)

Doubles
#1 Redman/Whiting (C) d. Hacobian/Palmera (G); 8-5
#2 Crampton/McGurty (C) d. Aguilar/Ebrahimi (G); 8-1
#3 Haines/Rowan (C) d. Balayan/Tzvetanova (G); 8-1

Notes- The Cuesta women's tennis team clinched its second straight Western State Conference title and 14th overall by beating Glendale today. The Cougars have won 22 consecutive WSC matches over the past two seasons and hold a two-game lead in the standings with two matches to play. The Cougars had to move everybody up on the ladder after losing #2 player Devin Merigold, but the team was up to the task. Sophomore Erin McGurty stepped into Merigold's #2 spot and lost only one game in her two set victory to set the pace. The Cuesta tennis team tails only men's water polo (23), women's volleyball and women's swimming (18) for the most conference titles of any of Cuesta's sport teams. Only Hall of Fame Aquatics Coach Terry Bowen has won more conference titles at Cuesta then Mike Napoli's 12 titles in his 22 seasons at the helm. The Cougars are 11-0 overall and 10-0 against the WSC circuit.

Next- Cuesta will wrap up its regular season with two road matches next week- Santa Monica (Tues.) and Santa Barbara (Thurs.)

Cuesta 9, Allan Hancock 0

Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (C) d. Mary Martinez (A); 6-0, 6-0
#2 Devin Merigold (C) d. Jennifer Francisca (A); 6-0, 6-1
#3 Erin McGurty (C) d. Joanna Toombs (A); 6-0, 6-0
#4 Whitney Whiting (C) d. Elia Santiago (A); 6-1, 6-1
#5 Hannah Crampton (C) d. Francesca Sanchez (A); 6-0, 6-0
#6 Laura Haines (C) d. Sophia Apodaca (A); 6-1, 6-0
Doubles
#1 Redman/Whiting (C) d. Francisca/Toombs (A); 8-1
#2 McGurty/Merigold (C) d. Martinez/Santiago (A); 8-2
#3 Crampton/Bre Rowan (C) d. Apodaca/Sanchez (A); 8-2

Notes- The Cuesta Cougars completed their first swing through their Western State Conference schedule with a 9-0 win over local rival Allan Hancock. The Cougars, who will open the second round with the Bulldogs next Tuesday, lost only nine games and swept every set on the day. In singles play, #1 Chloe Redman, #3 Erin McGurty and #5 Hannah Crampton each won 6-0, 6-0. The victory was the Cougars 18th straight Western State Conference win and improved them to 6-0 against the loop. They are 7-0 on the season.

Next- Cuesta will play Allan Hancock in Santa Maria on Tuesday (2 PM), March 17th.

Cuesta 8, Santa Barbara 1

Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (C) d. Heather Hawke (S); 6-2, 6-2
#2 Devin Merigold (C) d. Meghan Schaefer (S); 6-4, 6-1
#3 Erin McGurty (C) d.Carla Dawden (S); 6-0, 6-1
#4 Whitney Whiting (C) d. Laura Dixon (S); 6-1, 6-3
#5 Hannah Crampton (C) d. Kathy Stastzman (S); 6-1, 6-1
#6 Laura Haines (C) d. Jade Lewis-Thomas (S); 6-0, 6-1

Doubles
Redman/Whiting (C) d. Hawke/Schaefer (S); 8-6
McGurty/Merigold (C) d. Dawden/Dixon (S); 8-3
Alex Prince/Stastzman (S) d. Crampton/Haines (C); 8-3

Notes- Cuesta continued its domination of the Western State Conference with an 8-1 win over Santa Barbara. The Cougars have won their 17th straight WSC match and 21st straight regular season match. Cuesta swept singles play and no player lost more than four games in their two matches. The Cougars almost whitewashed the Vaqueros on the day, but Santa Barbara salvaged a win at #3 doubles. Cuesta is 6-0 on the year and 5-0 against the WSC.

Next- Cuesta will host Allan Hancock in a rain make-up on Thursday, march 12th.

Cuesta 7, Santa Monica 2

Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (C) d. Anastasia Eliseeva (S); 6-3, 6-4
#2 Julia Cobian (S) d. Devin Merigold (C); 7-6 (7-4), 6-4
#3 Erin McGurty (C) d. Alex Thomas (S); 6-0, 6-0
#4 Whitiney Whiting (C) d. Sarah Anderson (S); 6-2, 6-0
#5 Hannah Crampton (C) d. Ivette Lopez (S); 6-1, 6-4
#6 Laura Haines (C) d. Mary Ow (S); 6-0, 6-0

Doubles
#1 Merigold/Whiting (C) d. Cobian/Eliseeva (S); 8-5
#2 Anderson/Lopez (S) (S) d. McGurty/Rowan (C); 8-5
#3 Crampton/Haines (C) d. Ow/Thomas (S); 8-6

Notes- The Cougars improved their Western State Conference winning streak to 20 matches with a 7-2 win over Santa Monica. The Cougars clinched the victory during singles play, winning all but one, and then took two of the three doubles matches. Neither #3 Erin McGurty and #6 Laura Haines lost a game in picking up their wins, in fact Haines has compiled an impressive 48-7 record in games since breaking into the starting line u in the second week. The Cougars are now 5-0 overall and are 4-0 against the WSC as they chase another conference crown.

Next- Cuesta will host Santa Barbara next Tuesday.

Cuesta 5, Bakersfield 4

Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (C) d. Shabrene Dickerson (B); 6-2, 7-5
#2 Devin Merigold (C) d. Katie O'Leary (B); 6-3, 6-1
#3 Sarena Dickerson (B) d. Erin McGurty (C); 3-6, 6-4, 2-6
#4 Whitiney Whiting (C) d. Emily Carnal (B); 6-4, 6-4
#5 Hannah Crampton (C) d. Jessica Burrow (B); 6-1, 6-3
#6 Laura Haines (C) d. Gabrielle Valenzuela (B); 6-1, 6-1

Doubles
#1 Dickerson/Dickerson (B) d. Merigold/Whiting (C); 8-1
#2 Carnal/O'Leary (B) d. Crampton/Rowan (C); 8-5
#3 Burrow/Cooper Niswonger (B) d. Haines/Hannah Spencer (C); 8-6

Notes- The Cuesta women's tennis team improved to 3-0 on the season with a 5-4 Western State Conference win over Bakersfield. The Cougars clinched the match in singles play by winning five of six and Coach Mike Napoli used the doubles play to experiment with different match-ups. The Renegades swept the doubles competition against the Cougars' makeshift partnerships and made the final score appear closer on paper than it was on the court. With the win the Cougars improved to 2-0 in WSC play and increased their WSC mark to 18 straight victories. 2008 All-WSC First Teamer Devin Merigold and Laura Haines, the only freshman in the Cougars line-up, were the most successful players at their positions today. They both dropped only two games in 6-1, 6-1 victories at #2 and #6 singles, respectively.

Next- The Cougars will play at Glendale next Tuesday, March 4th, at 2 PM

Notes- Cuesta and Grossmont were rained out and the match was cancelled.

Next- Cuesta begins its 2008 Western State Conference title defense next at home Tuesday (2 PM) against Allan Hancock

Cuesta 9, Sequoias 0
Singles
#1 Chloe Redman (C) d. Anna Griggs (S); 6-0, 6-0
#2 Devin Merigold (C) d. Heather Cabututan (S); 6-2, 6-0
#3 Erin McGurty (C) d. Kaley Reeder (S); 6-1, 6-1
#4 Whitney Whiting (C) d. Bianca Rodriguez (S); 6-0, 6-1
#5 Hannah Crampton (C) d. Charice Rumelhart (S); 6-1, 6-1
#6 Bre Rowan (C) d. Laura Sanchez (S); 7-6 (7-4), 6-4

Doubles
#1 Redman/Whiting (C) d. Griggs/Cabututan (S); 8-3
#2 McGurty/Merigold (C) d. Reeder/Rodriguez (S); 8-2
#3 Crampton/Rowan (C) d. Rumelhart/Sanchez (S); 8-1

Notes- Cuesta Women's Tennis finished ranked #4 in the State last year and with an All American and three otehr all confernece selection back fro the 2009 campaign they expect to improve on that performance. The got off to a qucik start in the season opener with Sequoias. They swept the Giants 9-0 and the Cougars first five singles players dropped only a combined five games and the team did not drop a set on the day. All American Chloe Redman displayed top form as she won her match 6-0, 6-0 to set the tone for the Cougars. Cuesta is 1-0 on the year.

Next- The Cougars will host the Cuesta Invitational next Friday and Saturday. Grossmont, Saddleback, Chabot, Sierra and Santa Rosa will join Cuesta.

2009 Roster

Quick Facts/Record

Women’s Tennis
Head Coach: Mike Napoli  
Record/Years: 257-95-1/ 22st Year  
Assistant Coach: Rodney Gabuya (1st)  
Office Phone: (805) 546-3100 x2712
Email: mnapoli@cuesta.edu
2007 Record: 16-1
2007 WSC Record/Finish: 12-0/1st
2008 State Finish: 4th
Sports Information Director: Pete Schuler (805) 546-3211
Athletic Trainer: Jaison Wardrop, Anthony Geiger (805) 546-3225
Athletic Director: Bob Mariucci (805) 546-3100 ext.2709

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