Raymond Sarmiento

Joining Interim Head Coach Peter Kobelt in advance of the 2023-24 season is Raymond Sarmiento who played four years of collegiate tennis at USC (2010-14) where he was part of three NCAA National Championship teams. A two-time team captain, the five-time All-American reached career-high NCAA rankings of No. 2 in singles and No. 1 in doubles.

“I am beyond excited to welcome Ray to Nebraska,” Kobelt said. “His experience as a player and as a coach are top notch, and I believe he is going to play a huge part in our success. He knows firsthand what a national championship locker room looks like while playing at the University of Southern California as well as coaching grand slam champion Emma Raducanu. Ray knows what it takes to be great, and our guys are going to benefit from him immensely.”

After his college career, Sarmiento played professionally on the ITF/ATP Tour (2015-2021), where he reached career-high rankings of No. 287 in singles and No. 386 in doubles. He also claimed two singles titles and four doubles titles on the ITF tour.

During the 2020-21 season, Sarmiento returned to his alma mater to serve as a volunteer assistant coach and helped lead the Trojans to the 2021 Pac-12 Championship. USC advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. Sarmiento also coached the No. 1 ranked doubles team, Daniel Cukierman and Riley Smith, on court throughout the season.

Additionally, Sarmiento worked as a trainer and assistant coach for Emma Raducanu, Grand Slam Champion and former WTA Top 10. During this time, Raducanu notched notable wins over former world No. 1s Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka.

“I would like to thank Trev, Keith, Peter and the University of Nebraska Athletics for this amazing opportunity to help lead Nebraska Tennis,” Sarmiento said. “My journey has led me to this moment, and I am thrilled to get started and embark on this new chapter."

“I fully embrace the responsibility of my new role and the chance to contribute my competitiveness and tenacity to our team. My utmost goal is to elevate this exceptional program to the pinnacle of college tennis. However, equally important to me is the overall development of our athletes, supporting them in their ambitions and guiding them toward future success.”

“As we move forward, I understand the importance of upholding the high standards and strong core values that represent the University of Nebraska. Together, we will continue to set an example of excellence in all our endeavors. I am motivated and ready to take on the challenges that lie ahead. And I am confident that, united, we will achieve all the goals we set out together. Go Big Red!”