ATLANTA, Ga. – North Carolina Central's women's tennis head coach, Sofia Rachi Cucalon, earns a summer position with INTENNSE, a professional tennis league based in the Atlanta area.
"I'm thrilled to join INTENNSE for the summer and grateful for NCCU's support," exclaimed Rachi Cucalon. "I am grateful for the opportunity to represent NCCU on a national stage through my involvement with INTENNSE this summer. This opportunity is an exciting milestone in my coaching career."
INTENNSE will begin its second year of operation, running from June 1 to Aug. 2. The league expanded to 10 teams this season compared to only three in 2025. Five other coaches join Rachi Cucalon, with four more to be announced later. Rachi Cucalon is currently the only active college coach named to the INTENNSE coaching staff.
"Every one of these coaches has operated at the highest levels of the sport – elite training centers, professional tours, and NCAA programs – and they will bring that standard to our athletes and our league from day one," said INTENNSE Commissioner, Barry Fulcher. "Their expertise will elevate both the competitive product and the development opportunities for every player in INTENNSE."
Rachi Cucalon played her collegiate career at Delaware State and joined the NC Central women's tennis staff as an assistant coach in 2021. After being elevated to interim head coach for the 2022-23 season, she guided the Eagles to their first season with a .500 record or better since 2013, earning the official title the following season.
NC Central is coming off a historic year after making the finals of the MEAC Tennis Championship for the first time in 2025, finishing as the runners-up in the conference. The Eagles ended the season with a 13-9 record, one win shy of tying the 2013 team's 14-8 record.
"I'm looking forward to working with talented athletes and staff and contributing to a league that brings a fresh, innovative format to professional tennis," continued Rachi Cucalon. "I look forward to bringing that elevated experience to NCCU to continue building a strong, successful, and sustainable program."
Joining the NC Central women's head coach at INTENNSE are Marcelo Ferreira (Windy Hill Athletic Club), Tim Siegel (former professional player), Amy O'Connell (USTA Atlanta), Jim Harp (Harp Performance Tennis Inc.) and Torrey Hawkins (The River Club).
Coaches can begin drafting their teams on March 13.
For more information on NCCU Athletics, visit NCCUEaglePride.com.
