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Portland State University Athletics

PORTLAND STATE VIKINGS
Josiah Petersen Headshot

Josiah Petersen

Josiah Petersen is in his fifth season at Portland State. He started as the assistant women's tennis coach in 2021 before being named interim head coach in August 2024 following Kyle Russell's departure. In February 2025, he was officially promoted to head coach.

Since Petersen's arrival, the Vikings appeared in three consecutive Big Sky Tournaments for the first time in program history. Additionally, they've earned five All-Big Sky singles honors, and seven All-Big Sky doubles nods, including four straight first-team pairs. Petersen has played a crucial role in the Vikings' recent doubles success, helping guide them to a combined 137-83 (.623) record over four seasons, including a 56-25 (.691) mark against Big Sky opponents. 

Petersen and Russell guided the Vikings to one of the program's most successful seasons in 2023, finishing 12-12 (5-3 BSC). The Vikings secured the highest postseason seed in program history, entering the Big Sky Tournament as the No. 3 seed. The team's 4-1 win over No. 6 Montana in the Big Sky Quarterfinals marked the program's second-ever postseason victory. With the help of Petersen, PSU compiled a 41-25 (.621) doubles record in 2023 which was highlighted by Masha Ponomareva and Capu Sanoner's undefeated season (14-0) at the No. 1 spot. The duo finished No. 85 in the ITA Doubles rankings and was a unanimous First Team All-Big Sky selection. Additionally, Ponomareva received a first-team singles honor, while freshman Elizabeth Strongina was named to the second team.

In 2022, Petersen helped lead the Vikings to an 8-12 season, going 3-5 in conference action. Four Vikings earned All-Big Sky honors, including a first-team nod for Capu Sanoner and Nika Beukers, who finished the season 11-2 at the No. 1 spot, going undefeated in conference play.

In 2021, Petersen helped lead PSU to its third Big Sky Conference Championship tournament appearance in program history. Alongside Head Coach Kyle Russell, Petersen guided the Vikings to a 9-11 overall record while going 3-1 in Conference play. Petersen helped pilot an astounding 11-1 doubles record against regular-season Big Sky opponents and a 36-19 overall mark in doubles action. Under Russell and Petersen’s guidance, all six Vikings earned All-Conference honors for the first time in program history. 

Prior to Portland State, Petersen began teaching tennis professionally following his high school career. The Missoula, Montana native is a USPTA Elite Professional with experience teaching clients of all ages, ranging from 4-86 years old. During his time as a pro, he has had the pleasure of coaching at the high school level while also teaching adaptive tennis clinics and working at camps in Mexico. Experience working with both adult and junior tournament players, Petersen coached in several tournaments throughout the US prior to joining the PSU staff. 

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