Weber State University Athletics
Hall of Fame - Anna Gunnarsson
3/17/2015 7:35:00 PM | Wildcat Club
Anna Gunnarsson
Women's Tennis (1984-87)
Inducted October 2008
One of the top stars of Weber State's storied women's tennis programs, Anna Gunnarsson came to Ogden from Sweden, and for four seasons was the dominant player in Big Sky tennis.
In 1982-83, Weber State added women's tennis to increase female sports participation and comply with Title IX regulations. Women's sports at the time were not yet under the umbrella of the NCAA and were not part of the Big Sky Conference.
The women's teams in the Big Sky were given their own conference designation of the Mountain West Conference.
The Wildcats already had a strong men's program under Coach Keith Cox and he was given the reigns to develop the women's program as well. With talent scarce in the United States, Cox looked overseas to bring talent to jumpstart the program.
One of the first players he brought in was the tall, talented Gunnarsson. Bringing a powerful serve and volley game, Anna quickly established herself.
Gunnarsson was a four-time First Team All-Mountain West/Big Sky Conference performer during 1984 through 1987. She was the 1986 Big Sky No. 1 doubles and No. 3 singles champion, and the 1985 No. 2 singles champion. As a senior in 1987, she repeated as the No. 3 singles champion.
Gunnarsson was a member of three conference championship teams in 1985, '86 and '87 under Keith Cox. Her career record of 73-18 (80 percent) in singles included a perfect 22-0 mark in 1986. Gunnarsson also owns a 64-32 record in doubles dual matches.
Off the court, Gunnarsson was a four-time member of the Big Sky Academic All-Conference Team.
Gunnarsson continues to shine as a Masters tennis player in her native country.