Jardim joins tennis staff

Former Fresno State All-American Simone Jardim is the Bulldogs' assistant women's tennis coach after serving as the team's interim assistant coach last season, the most successful in program history.

She helped guide Fresno State to a Top 10 ranking, a round of 16 showing in the NCAA Tournament and the school's first two victories ever against California. In addition, Jelena Pandzic reached the finals of the NCAA Singles Tournament, becoming the first Bulldog ever to

advance that far.

Jardim became a household name in tennis at Fresno State from 2000-02, when she was a vital part of what began the team's highly successful four-year run.  Jardim helped lead the Bulldogs to a 38-11 record and a place among the very best teams in the country. During the 2000-01 season, the Fresno State women's tennis team was ranked as high as No. 8, still a program record.

In her two years, Jardim went 52-16 in and 59-14 in doubles. A two-time All-American in doubles, Jardim teamed with Kim Niggemeyer to form the No. 1-ranked team for a time in 2001. They played in the NCAA Tournament in both 2001 and '02, finishing both campaigns ranked in the Top 10.

Despite playing just two years, Jardim still ranks among the school's top 20 in singles and doubles victories. Jardim and Niggemeyer are the only doubles All-Americans in Fresno State history and one of only two teams to win a match at the NCAA Doubles Tournament.

A native of Santa Maria, Brazil, Jardim played two years at the University of Auburn before transferring to play for the Bulldogs. She graduated from Fresno State in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in public relations.