FULLERTON, Calif. - Cal State Fullerton Director of Athletics Jim Donovan has announced the hiring of Ellie Johnson as the new women's tennis head coach on Thursday, September 12th.

"We're very pleased to have someone as experienced as Ellie taking over the helm of our Titan Women's Tennis Program," said Jim Donovan.  "With eight years of head coaching experience at the NAIA and NCAA Division II level, we expect Ellie to transition well into The Big West Conference competition.  Ellie's upbeat personality and enthusiasm shone throughout our national coaching search."  

Johnson is the 12th women tennis's coach in program history.  She comes to Cal State Fullerton after serving as the head coach of the men and women's tennis program at Concordia University Irvine (2023-24) and the previous six seasons before that as the head coach at Westmont (2017-23).

During her sole year at the helm of Concordia, the Golden Eagles men's and women's tennis team both finished in fourth place in the Pac West Conference. The Golden Eagles women's tennis team made it to the NCAA DII West Regional where they were eliminated 4-3 in a close match against the top seeded Academy of Art University. The Concordia women's tennis team finished with an overall record of 16-7 and went 10-1 at home.

Ellie Johnson coached both Sophie Rachor and Tiffany Carrillo to ITA All-American honors.  Rachor and Elimilie Lugon-Moulin each won 17 singles matches and both earned First Team All-Pac West accolades. Lugon-Moulin was named the ITA DII West Regional Rookie of the Year. On the men's side, she coached Mattis Le Montagner and Mario Aleksic to being named All-Conference selections as CUI also notched a program record for the DII era with 13 wins.

"I am both excited and honored to join Cal State Fullerton as the new Head Women's Tennis Coach," said head coach Ellie Johnson.  "I'm grateful for the opportunity to lead such talented athletes and am eager to build on the successes of my predecessors. A heartfelt thank you to President Rochon, VP David Forgues, AD Jim Donovan, Greg Paules and everyone involved in the selection process for their warm welcome. I look forward to contributing to the Titans tennis tradition with great passion and dedication!"

Prior to her time at CUI, Johnson coached the Westmont Warriors over six seasons to a 46-52 record.  She was named the GSAC Coach of the Year in 2021 after leading the Warriors to the GSAC Tournament Semifinals.  She also led the Warriors to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament in 2018 and 2019.  In 2019, she coached Westmont to the Golden State Athletic Conference regular season and tournament title. The Warriors went 12-0 during the GSAC regular season.  She was named the West Region Wilson/ITA Coach of the Year 2018.

A graduate of Concordia University Irvine, Johnson was a four-year starter for the Eagles. In her senior year, the team won the GSAC Championship with Johnson playing at number two singles and number one doubles. Johnson, who was nationally ranked in doubles at number 13, served as team captain during her junior and senior seasons. Johnson graduated with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Sports Science. After graduation, Johnson completed a master's degree in coaching and athletic administration and served as the assistant women's tennis coach at Concordia. She has also served as a tennis teaching pro at the Woodbridge Tennis Academy.

"I'd like to thank Chair Greg Paules and the rest of the search committee for a job well done!" said Jim Donovan.  

Committee members:
Greg Paules (chair)
Mike Stone (CSUF alumni, donor, and former tennis student athlete)
Jay Darden (Assistant AD, DEI)
Katie Thompson (Athletic Academic Counselor)
Spencer Crellin (Special Events Coordinator)