PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland State Athletic Department has officially named Josiah Petersen as the interim head coach of the women's tennis program.
 
Petersen steps into the role following the departure of former Head Coach Kyle Russell, having served as his volunteer assistant coach during a highly successful four-year period (2021-2024).
 
 "Due to the timing of Coach Russell's departure, we were unable to conduct a full coaching search," PSU's Acting Athletic Director Matt Billings said. "However, we're very fortunate to have someone of Coach Petersen's caliber ready to step in as interim head coach. Given his deep understanding of our team's dynamics and goals, we're confident our student-athletes will continue to grow and succeed under his leadership in the months ahead."
 
Russell achieved notable success during his stint on the Park Blocks, leading the program to 39 wins over five seasons—a remarkable turnaround from a 5-26 record in the two years before his arrival. He guided the Vikings to a program-best 12 wins in 2023, including a semifinal appearance at the Big Sky Tournament, and secured the first .500 record (12-12) since 2013. Additionally, he became the first coach in program history to lead the Vikings to three consecutive Big Sky Tournaments (2021, 2022, 2023). Under his leadership, five players earned all-conference singles honors and seven doubles pairs received All-Big Sky recognition. Russell concluded his tenure at Portland State with a 39-51 (.433) overall record and a 16-16 (.500) mark against conference opponents.

As a volunteer assistant during four of those pivotal seasons, Petersen has been integral to the Vikings' recent success. Working alongside Russell, the duo consistently produced dominant doubles teams, highlighted by four consecutive first-team all-conference duos and a 53-22 (.707) record at No. 1 doubles since 2021. Additionally, they guided Capu Sanoner and Masha Ponomareva to a No. 85 ranking in the final 2023 ITA doubles standings, making them the first Portland State duo to achieve an ITA ranking.

A native of Missoula, Mont., Petersen brings 13 years of experience as a professional tennis instructor to his role. In addition to his collegiate coaching experience at PSU, he is a USPTA Elite Professional who has coached players of all ages across a range of settings, including high school programs, tennis academies, adaptive tennis clinics, traveling juniors, and camps in Mexico.
 
Petersen will be joined by first-year volunteer assistant coach and former Viking, Momoko Yoshimura.