Lauren Embree, one of the most accomplished players in program history, finished with 116 singles wins during her Gator career.
Florida Tabs Former Gator Embree as Assistant Coach
Tuesday, June 18, 2019 | Women's Tennis
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Five-time All-American Lauren Embree set to join women’s tennis staff.
By: Sam Stolte
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Her wins clinched a pair of NCAA team titles for the Florida Gators. Now Lauren Embree joins the Gator program as assistant coach, University of Florida women's tennis head coach Roland Thornqvist announced Tuesday morning.
"We are so fortunate to be able to get Lauren back to help us reach new heights of excellence. Obviously she knows firsthand what it takes to get there and will provide crucial leadership to this young group," Thornqvist said. "Her professionalism and character are exactly what we need and what better role model for our players than perhaps the greatest team player to ever have worn our jersey."
Embree, a five-time All-American at UF, returns to the Swamp after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Pepperdine where she helped guide the Waves to a pair of NCAA Championship appearances and conference titles. This past season, Pepperdine advanced to the NCAA Quarterfinal where it fell to eventual champion Stanford and in 2018 the Waves made a run to the Round of 16. Pepperdine used 9-0 records to win the West Coast Conference in 2018 and 2019. Coaching alongside Per Nilsson, Embree helped produce 17 All-West Coast Conference honorees in her two seasons.
"It was a dream come true to have played four years here, and when it was over I hoped I would be back one day. You just can't get enough of this place and the amazing and passionate Gator family," said Embree. "I feel so grateful and fortunate to be given an opportunity to coach these young ladies aside an incredible coach, Roland Thornqvist. Thank you Gator nation for having me back, I will not disappoint!"
Before moving to Malibu to join the Pepperdine staff, Embree enjoyed a strong career on the collegiate and professional level. Embree, one of the most decorated players in program history, starred at Florida from 2009-13 and helped the Gators secure National Championships in 2011 and 2012. In each of the title matches, Embree earned the decisive point to clinch the match. As a result she finished as the NCAA Tournament's Most Valuable Player twice. Embree reacts after clinching the Gators' NCAA Championship in 2012
Registering a remarkable 117-16 singles record and a 119-25 mark in doubles, she notched five All-American honors and was named SEC Player of the Year three times. The only player in conference history to garner the award on three occasions, Embree posted an unblemished 38-0 record in SEC matches. Collecting several individual honors over the course of her four year career, Embree was tabbed the ITA National Rookie of the Year in 2010, ITA National Senior Player of the Year in 2013 and claimed the tennis division for the Honda Award in 2011 and 2013.
She spent the entirety of her senior season ranked No. 1 in the ITA rankings, posting a dual match record of 20-1.
After earning her Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management from UF, Embree competed on the ITF Pro Circuit from 2014-17. Traveling around the globe, Embree amassed 92 career singles wins and 60 career doubles victories while recording four doubles titles and two singles titles.
Following her stint on the professional tour, Embree returned to UF as a volunteer assistant in 2017 and helped the Gators capture their seventh NCAA title.
Embree gained valuable experience on the ITF junior circuit before signing with Florida, competing in the French Open and French Open juniors, Australian Open juniors and US Open Juniors.
Please join us in welcoming former Gator great Lauren Embree back to the Swamp!
The 5x All-American joins the staff as an assistant coach 👏💯🙌#GoGators🐊🎾
