TROY, N.Y. — The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Department of Athletics has announced the hiring of Stephen Thirolle as the new head coach of the Engineers' women's tennis program.

Thirolle comes to RPI following a distinguished 14-year tenure as an assistant coach at Skidmore College, where he helped establish the Thoroughbreds as one of the Liberty League's premier programs. During his time in Saratoga Springs, Thirolle was instrumental in guiding Skidmore to 10 Liberty League Championships, gaining extensive experience developing high-achieving student-athletes and competing at the championship level.

"Stephen knows what sustained excellence looks like. He has spent his career developing high-achieving student-athletes, competing for championships, and building the relationships that allow a program to succeed year after year," said RPI Director of Athletics Dr. Kristie Bowers. "As we considered the future of RPI Women's Tennis, it was important to find someone who understood both the expectations surrounding this program and the responsibility we have to continue moving it forward. Stephen's philosophy of putting the person before the athlete resonated deeply with us. He is an accomplished coach, a tremendous teacher, and someone we believe will provide our women with championship-level support as they pursue ambitious goals at RPI."

Thirolle takes over an RPI program coming off the most successful season in its history. The Engineers captured their first Liberty League Championship in 2025–26, earned the program's first NCAA Tournament appearance, and recorded their first NCAA Tournament victory with an opening-round win over Allegheny.

"I am very fortunate and grateful to be named as the Head Coach for Women's Tennis at RPI," said Thirolle. "I am honored to be working with this wonderful staff who has made me feel so welcome and encouraged in my first days. I'm looking forward to contributing positively to the program and to the department. And, if I can speak for the team, we are all looking forward to a fantastic journey that lays ahead."

A native of the Albany area, Thirolle brings deep roots within the Capital District tennis community to RPI along with an extensive network throughout collegiate and national tennis. His experience includes longstanding relationships within the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) and United States Tennis Association (USTA), providing a strong foundation for recruiting, student-athlete development, and continued engagement with the regional and national tennis communities.

Thirolle earned his bachelor's degree from Middlebury College before beginning a coaching career that has been centered on student-athlete development and championship-level collegiate tennis.