Asheville, NC, July 22, 2025
News Summary
Lise Gregory, head coach of the UNC Asheville women’s tennis team, has announced her retirement effective after the upcoming season. With a record of 190 wins, she has significantly impacted the program since 2007, leading the team to multiple championships. Gregory has also coached the men’s team and received numerous accolades throughout her career, establishing a legacy within the university’s athletic community. As the search for her successor begins, her contributions to the sport and mentorship of players will be greatly missed.
Asheville, NC – Lise Gregory, the highly regarded head coach of the University of North Carolina Asheville (UNC Asheville) women’s tennis team, has announced her retirement effective after the 2025 season. The announcement was made by the athletic department on April 7, 2025, marking the end of an era for the women’s tennis program at UNC Asheville, where Gregory has built a legacy since 2007.
Gregory is identified as the all-time winningest coach in the history of the women’s tennis program, accumulating 190 victories over her tenure. Under her leadership, the women’s tennis team has emerged as a formidable competitor within the Big South Conference, highlighted by their recent success, winning the last two Big South Conference Regular Season Championships and securing the title in the 2024 Big South Conference Tournament Championship.
In addition to her work with the women’s team, Gregory also coached the men’s tennis program from 2007 to 2013, achieving 45 wins and earning recognition as the Big South Conference Coach of the Year in 2012.
Throughout her coaching career at UNC Asheville, Gregory has guided numerous players to significant individual accolades. She has overseen 10 First Team All-Conference Singles selections, 10 Second Team All-Conference Singles selections, and has coached seven First Team All-Conference Doubles pairs along with four Second Team All-Conference Doubles pairs. Furthermore, she has been instrumental in the development of the Big South Conference Player of the Year for the past two seasons and has coached three Freshman of the Year honorees.
Gregory’s coaching proficiency is reflected in her players’ performances, with her athletes earning 21 Big South Conference Player of the Week honors and 21 Freshman of the Week honors. She has also been recognized multiple times as the Big South Conference Coach of the Year, with three accolades coming from the women’s program alone. Two of her players have attained the honor of Big South Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and three have been named College Sports Communicators Academic All-District selections. Under Gregory’s mentorship, 76 scholar-athletes have been developed, and the women’s tennis program has been recognized as an ITA All-Academic Team every year since 2008.
Gregory’s impending retirement has prompted the UNC Asheville athletic department to initiate a national search for her successor immediately. Members of the athletics community and fans of the program have expressed their gratitude for Gregory’s contributions to the tennis program and the lasting impact she has made during her tenure.
As she embarks on her final season with the team, Gregory has expressed a sense of fulfillment in her coaching role and has shown gratitude for the unwavering support from the athletic department and the local Asheville community.
Background Information
Lise Gregory began her role as head coach of women’s tennis at UNC Asheville in 2007. Over the years, she has not only transformed the trajectory of the women’s program but has also contributed significantly to the men’s team. Both programs under her leadership have become recognizable contenders in the Big South Conference, therefore contributing to the university’s athletic prestige.
Key Achievements of Lise Gregory
- 190 wins as head coach of women’s tennis
- 45 wins as head coach of men’s tennis (2007-2013)
- Three-time Big South Conference Coach of the Year (women’s program)
- 10 First Team All-Conference Singles selections and 10 Second Team All-Conference selections
- Successful mentorship of multiple individual award winners
Summary
Lise Gregory’s retirement announcement marks a significant transition for UNC Asheville women’s tennis. With her exceptional record and influence, her departure will surely be felt by players and supporters alike. As the search for a new head coach begins, the legacy of her leadership and commitment to the development of the tennis program will remain palpable within the UNC Asheville community.
FAQ
When will Lise Gregory retire?
Lise Gregory will retire following the 2025 season.
How long has Lise Gregory been the head coach of women’s tennis?
She has been the head coach since 2007.
What are some of her major achievements as a coach?
Gregory has achieved 190 wins, won multiple conference championships, and guided many players to individual accolades.
What is the substitute plan for Gregory’s position?
A national search for a new head women’s tennis coach will begin immediately following her announcement.
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Additional Resources
- UNC Asheville: Lise Gregory Announces Retirement
- UNC Asheville: Jeff Maren Named Head Coach
- NCCU: Women’s Tennis Swept at UNC Asheville
- UNF Ospreys: Women’s Tennis Achieves Victories at UNC Asheville
- Google Search: UNC Asheville Women’s Tennis
