Delanie Dunkle Joins Women's Tennis Staff as Assistant Coach
9/26/2025 6:00:00 PM | Women's Tennis
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Former Mustang and five-time All-Big West selection Delanie Dunkle has officially joined the Cal Poly women's tennis coaching staff as an assistant for the 2025-26 season, head coach Ellie Edles Williams recently announced.
One of the most accomplished players to come out of the program in recent memory, Dunkle helped the Mustangs capture their first Big West Championship in 21 years and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in school history during her fifth and final season with the program in 2023-24.
"We're so excited to have Delanie back and part of our coaching staff," Williams said. "Over her five years as a Mustang, Delanie brought incredible leadership skills to our program, guiding us to our first conference championship in over 20 years. I can't wait to see her grow into a coaching role."
A native of nearby Arroyo Grande and a 2019 Arroyo Grande High, the Central Coast and San Luis Obispo area has always held a special place in Dunkle's heart, and she is looking forward to giving back to a program and university that has done so much for her.
"This team and this place means everything to me," she said. "My favorite years of tennis were at Cal Poly. I made the biggest strides in my game, met some of my best friends and had the most incredible experience. If I can give back to the program and recreate that experience for the current and future student-athletes on the team, it would be such a full circle moment for me."
Across five seasons as a Mustang (2019-24), the two-year team captain compiled a 54-28 career record in dual doubles matches and a 45-41 mark in singles play. Her 54 dual doubles victories are tied with Chelsy Thompson and Brittany Blalock for the most in the Division I history of the program, and she ranks No. 6 all-time in career singles wins.
"Even though it's only been just over a year since I've been out of college tennis, I miss it so much, especially the competitive aspect of it," she said. "So, when this opportunity came about, it was a no brainer for me."
Dunkle earned All-Big West Second Team honors in doubles three straight years from 2021-23, and in her final season in 2024 secured First Team praise while playing alongside her younger sister, Peyton Dunkle, as the Mustangs' No. 1 pairing. She is just one of three players in program history to garner four All-Big West selections in doubles during their career.
"I have so much respect for Ellie as a coach and a mentor, and I'm extremely excited to work with her in a new capacity," she said.
Dunkle grabbed All-Big West Second Team honors in singles during her final year with the program while playing at the No. 1 spot in the lineup, and she ranks 12th all-time in Cal Poly history in winning percentage in dual doubles matches.
During her time as a Mustang, Cal Poly compiled a 67-32-1 overall record and advanced to the Big West Championship match four consecutive years from 2021-24.
Prior to graduating from Cal Poly in 2024, Dunkle became certified as an athletic trainer and is currently working at McAlister Training, where she offers personal and small group training, and teaches group classes. She also gives tennis lessons and offers personal training at San Luis Obispo Country Club.
In addition to coaching, Dunkle plans on assisting with Cal Poly's conditioning training, and hopes to elevate the team's fitness level and play on the court with her knowledge and experience.
"Especially late in the year, a team's fitness level is what can make or break a season, so I want us to be the fittest team in the Big West," she said. "I hope to be a coach that the players can lean on during matches to get them through, and someone that can just be there to support them."
One of the most accomplished players to come out of the program in recent memory, Dunkle helped the Mustangs capture their first Big West Championship in 21 years and advance to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in school history during her fifth and final season with the program in 2023-24.
"We're so excited to have Delanie back and part of our coaching staff," Williams said. "Over her five years as a Mustang, Delanie brought incredible leadership skills to our program, guiding us to our first conference championship in over 20 years. I can't wait to see her grow into a coaching role."
A native of nearby Arroyo Grande and a 2019 Arroyo Grande High, the Central Coast and San Luis Obispo area has always held a special place in Dunkle's heart, and she is looking forward to giving back to a program and university that has done so much for her.
"This team and this place means everything to me," she said. "My favorite years of tennis were at Cal Poly. I made the biggest strides in my game, met some of my best friends and had the most incredible experience. If I can give back to the program and recreate that experience for the current and future student-athletes on the team, it would be such a full circle moment for me."
Across five seasons as a Mustang (2019-24), the two-year team captain compiled a 54-28 career record in dual doubles matches and a 45-41 mark in singles play. Her 54 dual doubles victories are tied with Chelsy Thompson and Brittany Blalock for the most in the Division I history of the program, and she ranks No. 6 all-time in career singles wins.
"Even though it's only been just over a year since I've been out of college tennis, I miss it so much, especially the competitive aspect of it," she said. "So, when this opportunity came about, it was a no brainer for me."
Dunkle earned All-Big West Second Team honors in doubles three straight years from 2021-23, and in her final season in 2024 secured First Team praise while playing alongside her younger sister, Peyton Dunkle, as the Mustangs' No. 1 pairing. She is just one of three players in program history to garner four All-Big West selections in doubles during their career.
"I have so much respect for Ellie as a coach and a mentor, and I'm extremely excited to work with her in a new capacity," she said.
Dunkle grabbed All-Big West Second Team honors in singles during her final year with the program while playing at the No. 1 spot in the lineup, and she ranks 12th all-time in Cal Poly history in winning percentage in dual doubles matches.
During her time as a Mustang, Cal Poly compiled a 67-32-1 overall record and advanced to the Big West Championship match four consecutive years from 2021-24.
Prior to graduating from Cal Poly in 2024, Dunkle became certified as an athletic trainer and is currently working at McAlister Training, where she offers personal and small group training, and teaches group classes. She also gives tennis lessons and offers personal training at San Luis Obispo Country Club.
In addition to coaching, Dunkle plans on assisting with Cal Poly's conditioning training, and hopes to elevate the team's fitness level and play on the court with her knowledge and experience.
"Especially late in the year, a team's fitness level is what can make or break a season, so I want us to be the fittest team in the Big West," she said. "I hope to be a coach that the players can lean on during matches to get them through, and someone that can just be there to support them."
Players Mentioned
/ Women's Tennis
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