Vechione takes the helm of Bronco tennis

Vechione takes the helm of Bronco tennis

Peter Dindinger — NMMI Sports Press

On Tuesday afternoon, Mitch Vechione was officially introduced as the new Bronco men's and women's tennis coach.

Having spent a limited time at practice with his team, Vechione gets to jump into action this weekend against the University of Texas-Permian Basin.

"It's been a little tough just because I'm coming in and have to get all this stuff done," he said. "I feel like it's going to be a good season. I know we're short on kids, but hopefully we can get these kids off to a four-year (school)."

Vechione, a native of El Paso, Texas and a 2012 graduate of Franklin High School, served as an assistant tennis coach with Western New Mexico University during the 2018-2019 season. Prior to that he was an assistant with Seminole State College in Oklahoma.

He had an extensive collegiate career playing at Seminole State, Texas A&M University-Texarkana and Southwestern Christian University in Bethany, Okla.

While attending Seminole State, Vechione was ranked 30th in the nation in men's doubles and was third in men's singles.

Before landing the head coaching gig at NMMI, Vechione was an independent tennis instructor and tennis professional at Tennis West Sports and Racquet Club in west El Paso.

"I learned a lot of different practice styles, conditioning," he said. "Using all those things, hopefully I can get these kids better and better each day. That's what I'm shooting for."

The Bronco tennis program has had their fair share of success. Last year the men tied for eighth at nationals after losing just one first round match.

Just two years ago the women captured gold at the regional tournament after winning in singles and doubles.

"I'm shooting for a 3.5 as a team for men and women," he said. "School comes first. I'd much rather they get a degree and move on to something in the real world.

"If we get the win, we get the win, but as long as I'm seeing effort I'm happy with it."