Florida tennis: Former Gator Embree joins UF coaching staff
Five-time All-American Lauren Embree has joined the Florida tennis staff as an assistant coach, beginning next season.
Sometimes, it’s good to come home.
For former Florida tennis player and five-time All-American Lauren Embree, that is just what she’s doing.
Embree is joining the Florida tennis coaching staff as an assistant coach under Roland Thornqvist after spending two seasons as an assistant at Pepperdine University.
While at Pepperdine, Embree helped lead the Waves to a pair of NCAA Championship appearances — this season reaching the semi-finals before bowing out to eventual champion Stanford, according to the Florida Gators’ website.
The Waves won the West Coast Conference regular-season titles with 9-0 records in each of the last two seasons. Embree also helped coach 17 All-West Coast Conference honorees.
"“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,” Embree said, in the news release. “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!”"
While a player at Florida, Embree helped lead the Gators to the NCAA National Championship in 2011 and 2012 — clinching the decisive point in both tournament championship matches. She was the tournament’s Most Valuable Player in both tournaments.
She recorded a 117-16 singles record and a 119-25 record in doubles play. Embree was named SEC Player of the Year three times — the only player in conference history to earn the honor three times.
During her senior season, Embree was ranked No. 1 in the ITA rankings and had a 20-1 dual match record.
As a professional tennis player, Embree had 92 singles wins to go along with 60 career doubles victories.
"“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, in the release. “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.”"
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Embree served as a volunteer assistant with the Gators during the 2017 National Championship winning season.