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Joanna Ciavarella was named head men's and women's tennis coach on February 8, 2018. She comes to Berkeley College after serving for two seasons as the Assistant men's and women's tennis coach at Hunter College. She also played for four years at Division I Wagner College in Staten Island prior to that.

"I'm very excited to join Berkeley College's Department of Athletics as its head men's and women's tennis coach, and I'm thankful for this incredible opportunity," Ciavarella said. "I look forward to meeting and working with the student-athletes, and bringing my passion for tennis and college athletics to this program."

At Hunter College, Ciavarella coached under Erienne Gale. During her tenure there, the Hawks' 2013 women's tennis team won the CUNYAC championship, while the 2014 team posted a 4-3 mark in conference play while making it to the semifinals of the conference tournament. On the men's side, the Staten Island, NY product assisted in the Hawks' 7-1 CUNYAC mark and a run to the conference championship match. Now at Berkeley College, she'll shoot to return the Knights' two tennis programs back to prominence.

Ciavarella – prior to getting involved on the coaching side of tennis – played for four seasons at Wagner College – from 2007 through 2010. During her sophomore season in 2008, she was second on the team in victories, seeing action at the No. 4, 5, and 6 spots. During the 2009 and 2010 seasons, she led the team in wins.

Following her intercollegiate career, Ciavarella's passion for the sport led her to Brown university, where she played on an Intramural level in 2011 and 2012. While there, she finished No. 2 in the men's and women's co-ed division (tournament style play).

She played her prep tennis at Fontbonne Hall Academy under the direction of Tim Shay. While there, she lettered all four years, while also helping the Bonnies to the Brooklyn title. Ciavarella was tabbed as the Most Valuable Player in both her junior and senior years there, while also claiming the Coach's Award as both a sophomore and a senior. As a freshman, she earned the Will To Win award.

Outside of tennis, Ciavarella works as an Organic Chemistry professor. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry from Wagner College, graduating with a 3.725 GPA. She furthered her education by also earning her Master's Degree in the subject from Brown University in 2013. She is currently pursuing her PhD at the CUNY Graduate Center.