Coach Lemberger Hughes just completed her first year as the head men’s and women’s coach. In which both the men and women claimed the Heart of America conference titles and made national championship appearances and the men's team got Heart Co-Newcomer of the Year, Heart Freshman of the Year and an NAIA All-American (third-team) and women's team got Heart Player of the Year, two CSC Academic All-District selections and an NAIA All-American (third-team). Coach Lemberger Hughes first joined the Owls back in 2023 as the men’s and women’s assistant coach, in which she helped led the men’s team to the quarter finals of the national championship, and a first round appearance on the women’s side. Coach Lemberger Hughes was named the ITA men’s assistant coach of the year for the central region in 2024.
Prior to her work with the Owls, Lemberger Hughes served as the assistant tennis professional at Old Hawthorne Country Club, in Columbia Missouri. In which she helped coach and develop players of all ages, all while managing the administrative side of the tennis club. Abigail spent a total of 4 years at Old Hawthorne before moving into collegiate athletics.
Coach Lemberger Hughes graduated from William Woods University with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science in December of 2018. Whilst completing her undergraduate degree Abigail was the captain of the Women’s Tennis Team for all 3 years. During her time with the Owls, she helped the team claim 3 conference championships. As well as 2 quarter final appearances and 1 semifinal appearance at the NAIA national tournament. Abigail then went on to be a strength and conditioning graduate assistant also at William Woods. During this time, she earned a master’s degree in athletic administration.
Abigail is certified as both a tennis and pickleball professional through PTR and PPR.
Lemberger Hughes is the 2025 Men’s and Women’s Heart of America Coach of the Year.
Abigail is happily married to her Husband Hunter, they live with their daughter Ella, and their two corgis, Donut and Crumpet in Columbia, Missouri.
