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Former standout player cherishes opportunity to coach ASU women's tennis

Ebony Panoho has segued naturally into her new role with the program as a graduate assistant coach

Ebony Panoho, a graduate assistant and ASU women's tennis alum, has a chat with one of the players during the practice at Whiteman tennis center in Tempe, Arizona on Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2017.

Ebony Panoho, a graduate assistant and ASU women's tennis alum, has a chat with one of the players during the practice at Whiteman tennis center in Tempe, Arizona on Wednesday, Feb. 8th, 2017.


Ebony Panoho played tennis at ASU for four years and created unforgettable memories, all the while maintaining a desire to coach.

Panoho, who is working towards a master's degree in higher education, joined ASU head coach Sheila McInerney's staff as a graduate assistant coach last fall. The Brisbane, Australia native saw an opportunity to pursue her dream career at the school she played for from 2013-2016.

“I thought it was a good opportunity to see if I wanted to coach and even after eight months, I am really enjoying it,” Panoho said. “I really did not want to leave, and I know the girls really well. Sheila coached me for four years, and Matt (Langley, ASU assistant coach) coached me as well, so I have built a really good relationship with the people here.”

During her playing days, Panoho formed a connection with many players currently on the roster, which gives the athletes a different relationship from both McInerney and Langley.

“I want to make sure the girls are having fun and at the same time, doing the right things and continue to succeed in our matches,” Panoho said.

Panoho’s accomplishments speak for themselves. As a senior, she paired with then-junior Alex Osborne in doubles and won the Pac-12 Conference title.

When Osborne found out Panoho was returning to coach, the senior reveled in the idea of working with her former partner. 

“I was stoked, we had two amazing years of tennis together and I knew she would be a great coach," Osborne said. “She really believes in me as a player and knows my game really well, what to say to me and how to connect with me on a personal level with tennis.”

McInerney said Panoho’s loose personality, along with a refusal to brag about her accomplishments has allowed her to earn the respect of everyone.  


“Ebony is not one of these kids with a lot of bravado, and I think the kids respect her for that. When she gives pointers and tries to be helpful, the kids are smart enough to take it,” McInerney said. "Matt and I feel really comfortable having her on the court, it’s been a real blessing.”

After every match, Panoho wrote detailed individual notes on her singles and doubles opponents. McInerney said her attention to detail is what allowed Panoho to translate naturally into coaching.

“Some kids just play and don’t understand the nuances of the game,” McInerney said. “We always had the kids take notes on her opponents, her notes would always be detailed.”

This skill set allowed Panoho to have success in both singles and doubles career.

“As you’re watching a match as a coach, you see things from a different perspective and then you can help your players use their strengths against the girl’s perspectives,” Panoho said. “Everyone is different, everybody has a different game, and so you have to approach it from their perspective.”

After struggling as an underclassman with her mental game, Panoho learned to overcome the obstacle in her last season and hopes to use her experience to help the team succeed.

“I just want to stick around and see them successful,” Panoho said. “Guss, (Gussie O’Sullivan), Kass (Kassidy Jump) and Alex (Alex Osborne), I just want to see them have the best senior season possible and for the other girls, I want them to keep improving.”


Reach the reporter at jpjacqu1@asu.edu or follow @joejacquezaz on Twitter.

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