Bianca Turati has returned to the Forty Acres, joining Howard Joffe’s team as an associate head coach for the next season after leading the Missouri Tigers women’s tennis program for three seasons.
In a press release, Turati stated, “Howard has been a coach who always understood me emotionally and helped me develop as a player.” When he called, I felt very humbled and honored. There are no words to express how thrilled I am to work with him and the team, and I will do all in my power to assist the Longhorns win championships.
Joffe coached Turati and her twin sister, Anna, on the Texas Tennis Center’s courts more than five years ago. They helped Texas women’s tennis place in the top ten for three consecutive years.
In 2018, Turati became the first Longhorn tennis player to be ranked #1 in the Intercollegiate Tennis Association singles rankings since 1995. Although the pandemic ended her career, Turati finished 11-1 in her final season of dual match singles play.
Bianca’s decision to work with me is such an honor, Joffe said, adding that she has grown during her career and is now succeeding as a collegiate coach. Having Bianca back is one of the finest feelings I’ve experienced as a coach, even though I feel like I’ve had a wonderful life with so many amazing players and national medals.
Turati would settle in Columbia, Missouri, as an assistant coach for the Missouri Tigers following a brief career in professional sports. After only a month, Turati was promoted to temporary head coach and subsequently became the Tigers’ main coach.
The Tigers had a remarkable comeback under Turati’s direction. Turati gained confidence as a head coach and expanded the program, going from two wins as interim coach to five in her first full season. The Tigers had 13 overall wins and two rated victories in her second full season.
Bianca was a clear option to join with in our goal to return Texas to the top of collegiate tennis because of her wide range of personality and all of her accomplishments as a coach and player, Joffe said.
