Kansas State University’s women’s tennis program received a significant boost with the announcement of former Wildcat student-athlete Maria Linares joining the coaching staff as an assistant coach. Linares, a native of Maracay, Venezuela, competed for K-State for five seasons from 2017-2022, making her a familiar face to the program.
After her successful collegiate career, Linares spent the last two years at Florida State University, where she first served as a volunteer before being promoted to assistant coach during the 2023-24 season. Under the guidance of 20-year head coach Jennifer Hyde, Linares made significant contributions to the Seminoles‘ tennis program, helping lead the team to their sixth and seventh consecutive NCAA Tournaments in 2023 and 2024.
Kansas State women’s tennis head coach Jordan Smith expressed his excitement about Linares joining the program, highlighting her experience and success as a coach at Florida State. Smith praised Linares for her ability to excel both on the court as a player and on the sidelines as a coach, noting her unique perspective and valuable insights.
During her tenure at Florida State, Linares played a key role in the team’s success, which included reaching the semifinals of the ACC Tournament in 2024. Several players under her guidance earned All-ACC honors, showcasing Linares‘ ability to develop talent and foster a winning culture within the team.
Linares‘ return to Kansas State as an assistant coach is a testament to her dedication to the program and her desire to give back to the institution that played a significant role in her development as a player and a person. Her commitment to helping the current crop of student-athletes achieve their best both on and off the court is a reflection of her passion for the sport and her desire to make a positive impact on the lives of those she coaches.
During her time as a player at K-State, Linares amassed an impressive record, winning 77 singles and 62 doubles matches. Her achievements on the court earned her numerous accolades, including being named the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2018 and earning selections to the All-Big 12 teams in 2018 and 2021.
In addition to her success on the court, Linares excelled academically, earning the Big 12 Scholar Athlete of the Year award for women’s tennis in 2022. Her commitment to balancing athletic and academic responsibilities is a testament to her work ethic and dedication to excellence in all aspects of her life.
With her wealth of experience as both a player and a coach, Maria Linares is poised to make a significant impact on the Kansas State women’s tennis program. Her passion for the sport, coupled with her dedication to helping student-athletes succeed, makes her a valuable addition to the coaching staff and a role model for the players she will mentor. Kansas State fans can look forward to seeing the program continue to thrive under Linares‘ guidance and leadership.