IRVINE, Calif. - Elizabeth Ferris has been named UC Irvine's women's tennis head coach, a position she held on an interim basis this past season.
 
Ferris was hired as interim head coach last September, following the retirement of long-time UCI head coach Mike Edles. Despite taking over a young team that featured six underclassmen, Ferris led the Anteaters to the quarterfinals of the Big West Tournament and saw four of her players earn all-conference honors, including freshman Constance Branstine who was a first-team selection in singles.
 
"To have the opportunity to continue coaching and mentoring at such a prestigious and beautiful university is an honor," Ferris said. "It's easy to come to work every day when you're surrounded by such beauty, as well as experienced and committed staff.
 
"Last year was full of new experiences for both the players and coaches alike, and I would like to thank the team and staff members for their patience. I also want to thank my supervisor Darrin Nelson and counterpart Mike Saunders for their guidance, support and encouragement. It also doesn't hurt to have such a talented and motivated assistant coach working by my side. Desiree and I look forward to bringing all the knowledge we gained in our first year along with our passion into this upcoming season. There's no doubt we will continue to build this program both athletically and academically."
 
Ferris was previously an assistant coach at UC Irvine for three seasons. In 2014, her first year as a member of Edles' staff, Ferris helped guide the 'Eaters to the Big West Championship match and a 17-7 overall record. The following campaign, UCI went 15-9, while making it back to the semifinals of the conference tournament.
 
During her tenure as an assistant coach, UC Irvine had eight All-Big West selections in singles and three in doubles. In addition, eight Anteaters garnered Big West All-Academic recognition, while two received ITA Scholar-Athlete awards.
 
Prior to her arrival at UC Irvine, Ferris competed on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) circuit for four years, winning a pair of singles and doubles titles. She has also been a private tennis instructor since 2011.
 
The Anaheim, Calif., native played collegiately at the University of Utah, earning all-conference accolades in singles all four years. She was also a two-time honoree in doubles. Ferris graduated from Utah with a bachelor's degree in health promotion and education in 2009.
 
Ferris prepped at Canyon High School in Anaheim, and was a top-20 junior player in Southern California.