Hamilton Named Assistant Coach of Tennis Programs

Hamilton Named Assistant Coach of Tennis Programs

Ashland University director of tennis operations Lexi Boleski announced Tuesday (July 10) the hiring of Christian Hamilton as the men's and women's tennis programs' assistant coach.

Hamilton will be tasked with assisting Boleski in the management of both tennis teams, including individual and team instruction, recruiting, team travel and budgeting, among other aspects.

"Christian is a wonderful addition to our team," Bolesky said. "His youth brings a lot of energy and his desire to excel as a coach will be inspiring for our players. He is a hard worker and motivated. We are excited to see what this academic year and season have to bring."

The AU athletic department announced last September the addition of men's tennis to the institution's intercollegiate athletic offerings.

"Christian is going to have the opportunity to work with two emerging programs," said Al King, Ashland University's director of athletics. "He brings a wide array of ideas to campus and we were impressed by that, his energy and his enthusiasm. He has a great opportunity to learn from Lexi and incorporate what he's gained at his previous stops. There's a lot of work taking place here and I expect Christian to dive in immediately."

Hamilton comes to Ashland after serving as the assistant men's and women's tennis coach at Allegheny (Pa.) College where he helped in recruiting, academics and in the daily operations of the programs.

"I am very excited to join the Ashland tennis programs," Hamilton said. "Bringing in the men's program to complement the women's program is great. With what Lexi has done with recruiting new players to the men's program, as well as key players to the women's side, I think we have a chance to make an impact in the GLIAC."

Hamilton spent one-and-a-half seasons as the assistant tennis coach at his alma mater Lindenwood (Ill.) University-Belleville where he ran practices and helped oversee the program. He also spent time as the acting head coach.

He has also worked as a tennis instructor at St. Clair Tennis Club in Shiloh, Ill. and has been an instructor at the Metro East Tennis Academy.

"I've coached at the NAIA and Division III levels and we've played a lot of Division II opponents, so I'm familiar with the level and know what it takes," said Hamilton.

The women's tennis team took great strides in the 2017-18 season in which the Eagles went 8-16 and qualified for the GLIAC Tournament for the first time in four years.

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