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About Me

Yana Sokolenko is one of the most accomplished and respected tennis coaches in collegiate and professional development, with over 20 years of experience coaching players at all levels—from juniors and collegiate athletes to WTA professionals.

 

Currently serving as Associate Head Coach at Old Dominion University (ODU), Coach Sokolenko has led her teams to remarkable success:

 

  •  4 consecutive conference championships

  •  5 straight NCAA Tournament appearances

  •  A 99–35 team record since joining ODU in 2018

  •  Historic wins over top programs like Georgia Tech, Ole Miss, and South Carolina

 

 

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Her coaching has produced top-ranked athletes, including Yulia Starodubtseva, WTA #81 and former NCAA All-American, and Sofia Johnson, ranked as high as #7 in the ITA national singles rankings.

 

Yana’s philosophy has evolved throughout her career. Initially a highly structured, authoritarian coach, she has grown into a leader who balances discipline with adaptability, recognizing the unique strengths of each player. Her methods are driven by data, biomechanics, and a deep understanding of individual development— anchored by her Ph.D. in Applied Kinesiology, with a focus on motion capture and performance enhancement.​​​​​​​​

Coaching Career Highlights

ODU Women’s Tennis:
 

  • 5 NCAA appearances (2019–2025)

  • Highest team ranking in program history (#16)

  • 3 straight Sun Belt titles (2023–2025)

  • 2 Conference USA titles (2021–2022)

  • Multiple All-American athletes coached

  • National indoor success: wins vs. Wisconsin, Georgia Tech, Ole Miss
     

Miami of Ohio (Head Coach):
 

  • 2 MAC regular season titles (2015, 2016)

  • 1 MAC Tournament title (2015)

  • NCAA Tournament appearance
     

VCU (Associate Head Coach):
 

  • 7 seasons

  • NCAA Quarterfinal appearance (best in school history)

  • Ranked #12 nationally in 2007

  • NCAA appearances from 2006 to 2014

  • Named NCAA East Region Assistant Coach of the Year

Playing Career & Education

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Before coaching, Yana was a top-level player. She reached WTA #529, competed with the Belarus National Fed Cup Team, and played Division I tennis at VCU, helping the team reach the NCAA Quarterfinals in 2002.

 

Academically, she earned:

 

  •  B.A. in Political Science – GPA 3.7

  •  M.A. in Economics – GPA 3.9

  •  Ph.D. in Applied Kinesiology

Tennis Serve Action

Verified Coaching Background

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