GCU extends Vorster after championship season

After quickly acclimating to Grand Canyon and leading the women's tennis program back to the NCAA Tournament, Dané Vorster agreed to a contract extension to continue leading the Lopes.

"It's been an absolute privilege to be part of Grand Canyon University," Vorster said. "Every day, I'm inspired by the winning mindset, faith-based culture and strong sense of community that defines our athletic department and campus. GCU is a truly special place – meaningful, purpose-driven and united in a shared vision.

"I'm incredibly grateful and honored to continue leading this program. Thank you to President Brian Mueller and Vice President of Athletics Jamie Boggs for their trust, confidence and unwavering support of our vision. Their leadership has been instrumental in shaping the direction and future of our team."

Vorster was hired in June 2024 and quickly recruited a class of five newcomers to pair with two returners. Collectively, the Lopes returned to the NCAA Tournament in Vorster's first season after two 4-0 wins captured the WAC Tournament title.

The Lopes successfully defended the home courts in 2025, posting a 6-1 record by outscoring opponents 28-5.

"I'm proud of what we accomplished in our first year – with a young and new group – continuing the winning legacy with another conference title and competing strongly at the national level," Vorster said. "I'm excited to build on that foundation as we strive to elevate the program even further in the national rankings.

"We have a determined, resilient group of student-athletes who embody the spirit of being proud Lopes. They've fully embraced our mission of becoming one of the nation's best and are motivated to create program history. The belief, support and potential at GCU are unmatched – and there's nowhere else I'd rather be to invest in and develop our exceptional student-athletes."

Vorster's success in her first season at GCU was quickly noticed by her peers, being voted as the WAC Coach of the Year following the season.

"Dané is very competitive, incredibly determined and a tireless worker," Boggs said. "She rebuilt a program and earned a dominating conference championship in 10 months. We are excited to have Dané lead our women's tennis program for the foreseeable future and look forward to more championships under her Christ-centered leadership."

Vorster arrived at GCU after two seasons leading the Belmont program and three seasons as an assistant coach at UC Santa Barbara. A native of South Africa before calling Brisbane, Australia, home, Vorster played her college tennis at Texas A&M and Portland State, where she ranks second in career wins at the No. 1 singles position. An All-Big Sky first-team honoree, Vorster also collected three Academic All-Big Sky honors.

Grand Canyon University Athletics

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