Mississippi State University announced Wednesday that Kazuki Matsuno has been hired as the new assistant coach for the women’s tennis team. Head coach Chris Hooshyar made the announcement, highlighting Matsuno’s coaching experience and recent success.
Matsuno spent the last two seasons at Pepperdine University, serving as an assistant coach and director of recruiting for the men’s program. During his tenure, the Waves posted a 36-21 record and reached the NCAA super regionals in 2026 after upsetting No. 7 LSU in Baton Rouge.
Prior to Pepperdine, Matsuno was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Michigan State University from 2023 to 2025. He helped the Spartans achieve a program-best 23 wins in the 2023-24 season, reach a top-15 national ranking, and produce the first NCAA singles finalist in school history.
The former player at Michigan State, Matsuno was a three-time Big Ten All-Academic honoree and ranked as high as No. 37 in the ITA singles rankings. He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State in 2023.
Hooshyar expressed enthusiasm about the addition, calling Matsuno one of the top young coaches in the country. Matsuno, who is from Chicago, said he is excited to join the coaching staff and serve the team and Starkville community.
For more information on the Bulldogs’ women’s tennis program, visit HailState.com or follow @HailStateWT on social media, including X, Instagram, and Facebook.
