Virginia Union University has tapped international tennis veteran Gabriel Kotto as the new head coach of the Lady Panthers tennis program.

Kotto brings decades of experience to the role, having coached junior players on the Pro Circuit from U14 to U18, along with leading varsity high school programs in both the U.S. and abroad. Under his leadership, Reston High School in Fairfax, Va., won the Liberty Division District title in 2010, while the International School of Kenya earned an Interscholastic School Championship in 2007.

Kotto holds a PTR Pro certification and a Master of Tennis Performance Coaching degree with a focus on adult development.

His coaching résumé includes running developmental clinics for adults in Reston, and producing players across all levels — from beginners to tournament hopefuls pursuing college scholarships or USTA rankings.

The USTA awarded Kotto with a Non-Cut Coach certification for his developmental work in both Virginia and Kenya. His 2007 developmental program was named the best in its category that year.

Kotto earned a diploma in physical education and sport science from the Kenyan Board of Education, with an emphasis on diet and high-performance training.