Jon Stojan
Image credit: Rozalina Youseva
Rozalina Youseva is stepping into a new chapter in her career as the newest coach for SJSU Tennis. With the hopes of leading the Spartans to victories in the following season she has already begun to prepare, creating one of the strongest teams that SJSU has seen. With years of elite competition behind her, she brings a wealth of experience and insight to the program. As the lead coach in her role, Rozalina is dedicated to shaping the next generation of tennis players, helping them develop their technical skills, mental resilience, and competitive mindset.
Her transition from player to coach is a natural evolution of her career—one fueled by her passion for the sport and her desire to mentor aspiring athletes. Her ability to relate to players, having competed at the highest levels, allows her to bring a unique and invaluable perspective to her coaching.
Born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria, Rozalina began playing tennis at six years old and quickly rose through the ranks. By the age of eight, she was already winning regional tournaments, and soon after, she became Bulgaria’s top-ranked junior player—a title she held for eight consecutive years.
Representing Bulgaria’s national team, she competed in multiple European Championships, earning international recognition. One of her career highlights came when she won the under-12 category at the Nike Junior Tour, securing a place at the prestigious Nike Junior Tour Masters in Miami. There, she finished as the U12 consolation champion, sharing the podium with future tennis stars like Amanda Anisimova (current world No. 18) and Dayana Yastremska (former world No. 21).
Rozalina also made a name for herself by defeating former U.S. Open Champion and world No. 10 Emma Raducanu in a hard-fought three-set match in the U14 category in the first round of the prestigious junior tournament Le Petit As. Her performances led her to achieve a career-high ranking of No. 53 in Tennis Europe, earning her an invitation to train at the Justine Henin Academy, where she received mentorship from former world No. 1 Justine Henin herself.
Rozalina continued her success in the U.S., competing as a Division I athlete at San Jose State University. Her singles and doubles records showcased her dominance on the court, including an impressive 11-5 singles record in her final season. She played a pivotal role in leading SJSU to a Mountain West Conference Championship.
As SJSU’s newest coach, Rozalina is committed to developing players not only in terms of technical ability but also in their mindset, strategy, and overall approach to the game.
Rozalina’s journey as a player has given her the foundation to become a standout coach. With a career built on discipline, perseverance, and an unwavering love for tennis, she is now ready to pass on her knowledge to the next generation.
Her experience at top-tier coaching institutions, including the Kim Grant Tennis Academy and San Jose State University, has shaped her into a well-rounded mentor. She blends technical mastery with strategic thinking, ensuring that her players are prepared for the demands of college tennis and beyond.
As she embarks on this new coaching role at SJSU, Rozalina is determined to build a program that nurtures excellence, inspires confidence, and prepares athletes for success on and off the court. With her leadership, SJSU Tennis is set to reach new heights.