FULTON, Mo. - Following a playing career that saw her captain the Owls to three consecutive NAIA National Championship appearances and her contributions to the eighth (women's) and seventh (men's) consecutive qualification as an assistant coach in 2023-24, Abigail Lemberger Hughes has been named the Head Men's and Women's Tennis Coach for William Woods University.

"I cannot thank Steve Wilson and the other administrators enough for this opportunity," said Lemberger Hughes. "Being an alum of the university and having played for William Woods from August 2015- December 2018, this means the world to me. I am excited to get to work and to represent the university now as their head tennis coach. I will continue to put academic success at the forefront of the tennis program, while also shaping respectful and competitive student-athletes. This program and its athletes have a lot of potential to make an even bigger statement on the court, and I am excited to continue to help grow the legacy of the tennis program. Go Owls!"

The Newcastle, England, native joined the Owls for the debut season of women's tennis in 2015-16 and helped lead the team to NAIA National Championship berths in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18, also earning her bachelor's degree in just seven semesters. After graduating in December 2018, she remained a part of the Woods family, transitioning to a role as a graduate assistant for Strength and Conditioning in January 2019.

"Abigail has impressed me with her ability to foster culture and connection, and those go hand-in-hand with her incredible ability to coach the game – a recipe for big success," said Vice President of Student Engagement and Intercollegiate Athletics Steve Wilson. "She is a tireless, strategic recruiter, but perhaps the most exciting part in promoting Abigail to the head coaching position is that she is a two-time William Woods alum. To see one of our own step in to this role, on this campus, is putting the program in great hands. Abigail will thrive in this role, and I'm happy to have a front-row seat to witness her success."

After earning her master's degree, Lemberger Hughes began coaching privately, serving as the Assistant Tennis Professional at The Club at Old Hawthorne under Nick Loudermilk. She returned to the college level in July 2023, joining Chance Joost's staff as an assistant. She made an immediate impact and was named the ITA Assistant Men's Coach of the Year for the Central Region.

A Professional Tennis Registry Certified Coach in both tennis and pickleball, she will serve as the tournament director for the 2025 ITA NAIA Indoor Team Nationals. William Woods has launched a national search for a full-time assistant coach.

https://www.williamwoods.edu/employment/job_details.aspx?id=424