Notre Dame names Alison Silverio head women's tennis coach
Jay Louderback led the Notre Dame women's tennis program for 29 seasons, earning 24 NCAA tournament appearances and two trips to the NCAA semifinals along the way, before announcing his retirement in May.
Now it's time for Alison Silverio to grab the reins.
Silverio — who has served as the head coach at the University of Oregon since June 2014 — was announced as ND's next head coach by athletics director Jack Swarbrick on Friday.
"We're thrilled to welcome Alison to the Notre Dame family,” Swarbrick said in a statement. “Her playing career, including a national championship at Georgia Tech, speaks for itself. During her time as a coach, she has contributed to the improvement of each and every program she has touched.
"Alison is the perfect person to take the reins of our women's tennis program and we couldn't be more excited about the impact she will have on our student-athletes."
As a student-athlete, Silverio helped Georgia Tech secure a team NCAA title in 2007, garnering NCAA Tournament MVP honors in the process. She also earned ACC All-Tournament team honors twice and ACC Tournament MVP honors in 2005, as the Yellow Jackets were crowned ACC champions each season from 2005 to 2007.
Most recently, Silverio's Oregon Ducks finished 16-10 and 5-5 in Pac-12 play this season, earning the program's second consecutive berth in the NCAA Tournament. The Ducks also captured their first NCAA Tournament win in 14 years.
Prior to her arrival in Eugene, Ore., Silverio served as an assistant coach at Georgia Tech and NC State.
"I believe in the integrity, the academic and athletic superiority, and the Catholic mission revered by the University of Notre Dame,” Silverio said in a statement. “Therefore, it is my distinct honor and privilege to assume the role of Notre Dame's head Women's Tennis coach.
“My objective will be to build on the rich legacy that Jay Louderback and our alumnae have created for our program. I am committed to a relentless work ethic to enhance a student-athlete experience and a championship culture. Notre Dame and our women's tennis program represent everything excellent in collegiate athletics.
"Our student-athletes will continue to uphold our ethical standard and tradition both on and off the court. Be assured of my utmost esteem and respect for Notre Dame. Go Irish!"
