LEXINGTON, Va. – Washington and Lee University Head Women's Tennis Coach
Erin Ness has announced the appointment of Leo Galarza as the program's new assistant coach. Galarza will begin his duties on Monday, January 12.
"I am excited to have Leo join the staff," Ness stated. "He brings a genuine passion for coaching and a strong commitment to developing athletes both on and off the court. His enthusiasm and positive energy will be a great addition to the program, and I'm confident he will make an immediate impact."
Galarza arrives in Lexington after most recently serving as a volunteer assistant coach for the Piedmont University men's and women's tennis programs. With his help, the Lions' women's team went 21-3 overall, while the men's program posted a 13-12 overall record. Both programs also appeared in their respective Collegiate Conference of the South (CCS) championship matches in 2025.
As an undergraduate, Galarza competed on the Piedmont University men's tennis team, where he was a two-time ITA Scholar Athlete and CCS All-Academic Team student. On the court, Galarza posted a 13-7 singles record and a 13-6 doubles mark, before he finished out his career as a student assistant coach for the spring 2024 season. He assisted the Lions to a 19-7 overall record that season, as well as a CCS Finals appearance, and managed social media content for the program.
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in sports communications in the spring of 2024, Galarza served a brief stint as an interim coach for the Emmanuel University men's and women's tennis programs before making his return to Piedmont in January 2025.
With the Generals, Galarza joins the coaching staff five weeks ahead of the team's spring-opener against Shenandoah on February 13. Galarza will aide head coach
Erin Ness in all facets of the program, including practice planning, player training and recruiting.
Nestled in the mountains of Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a proud member of NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. Founded in 1749, W&L is the ninth-oldest college in the United States and a top-ranked liberal arts university. With over 500 student-athletes in 24 varsity sports, the Generals have celebrated over 265 conference championships. Learn more about the Blue and White by visiting www.generalssports.com or on social media at @WLUGenerals.
