Cassie pennington

Western Kentucky tennis coach Jonatan Berhane announced Tuesday that Bowling Green native Cassie Pennington has been added to the coaching staff as a student assistant coach.

Pennington, currently a redshirt junior, was sidelined during her freshman year with the team because of a severe back injury.

“I share Cassie’s pain in her retirement from active court play, but I am pleased to welcome her as a member of the coaching staff,“ Berhane said. “This is the right decision, and the team will benefit from her passion and knowledge of the game in a different way.”

Trained by U.S. Professional Tennis Association coach Bill Tym of Nashville, Pennington is a five-time high school regional champion.

“Cassie will make a big impact by sharing her passion for tennis,” Berhane added. “She is excited for this opportunity and can’t wait to start working with the girls.”

Pennington currently instructs junior players in southcentral Kentucky. She embraces a comprehensive approach that includes mental toughness, performance enhancement, an all-court explosive game and academic excellence, according to a news release.

“I have great respect for Coach Berhane and the culture he has created at WKU,” Pennington said. “I’m excited to be mentored by the Conference USA Coach of the Year.”