William Woods University welcomes new head coach, Abigail Lemberger Hughes

This role brought a few hiccups along the way, but she powers through and adapts to her new environment.

“The transition (to coaching at the college level) wasn’t too difficult as I had always been involved in coaching even as a player, but mainly for the very young kids,” Lemberger Hughes said. “The hardest part is now, as a coach, you have players relying on you. The biggest thing is as a player you don’t see the back side of coaching in college, all the preparation and admin work that goes into the season. This was something that did and still is taking me time to adjust to.”

With the adjustments in her new position, Lemberger Hughes has developed her own unique coaching style that highlights both the team’s synergy and individualism.

“I am a very hands-on coach (and) personable. I like to fully get to know each player and who they are, as everyone needs to be coached differently,” Lemberger Hughes said. “Some players need space during matches, and you have to trust that they will take everything you discussed at practice onto the court. Others need you there during their match helping solve. Each player responds differently to this. This is why I truly believe in getting to know all of my players.”

Since returning to her alma mater, Lemberger Hughes and her team already have a notable win under their belt.

“I was proud of the season we had last year,” Lemberger Hughes said. “We won conference for both our men’s and women’s teams, which meant we qualified for outdoor nationals. Our men’s team had a great run and made the quarterfinals of the NAIA national tournament. I was fortunate enough to be named the Men’s ITA Assistant Coach of the Year for the Central Region.”

It is safe to say Lemberger Hughes is hitting the ground running this season. She is keeping a clear focus on what is best for the team and keeping up the William Woods University tennis reputation.

“My goals are always to stay competitive,” Lemberger Hughes said. “William Woods tennis has made a name for itself as a very competitive program. I would love to see both teams win the conference again this year and hopefully have a deep run at the national tournament.

“I want to continue to grow the William Woods tennis legacy and add to the success that it has already had. But most importantly, I want to create an environment in which my players can have the best college experience possible and continue to love the game at the same time.”

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