CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Austin Peay Director of Athletics Gerald Harrison announced Tuesday that Maria Sorbello Morrison has been promoted, and named as the head women’s tennis coach.
Morrison had been a longtime assistant for the men’s and women’s tennis teams under coach Ross Brown. Brown will continue to coach the men’s tennis team, and transition into the role of Director of Tennis.
According to Austin Peay athletics, Morrison joined Brown’s staff prior to the 2012-13 season. During that time period, the women’s tennis team compiled a record of 97-87 with five Ohio Valley Conference Championships. This includes going 66-24 between the years of 2017-21.
“I’ve always coached from behind the shadows as an assistant and associate head coach,” said Morrison. “This head coaching opportunity allows me to come out from the shadows, and take on a larger role in terms of leadership and recognition. After spending so much time under Ross and him teaching me what it takes to be a head coach, I feel like I am ready to put my best foot forward with the girl’s team. I’m very excited to take our program to the next level within the A-Sun conference.”
Player development
Morrison also contributed to the effective player development within each tennis program. According to Austin Peay athletics, she helped coach three OVC Player and Freshman of the Year recipients. In addition, the Governors have had “43 All-OVC selections, with 23 from the women’s tennis program in the last decade.”
Morrison has a chance to develop an impressive freshmen class during her first season as the women’s head coach. Austin Peay athletics reported that the women’s tennis has received votes in the Top-25 mid-major recruiting class.
“We have five recruits coming into the program,” said Morrison. “Four of those players are international and one is from the Clarksville area. This recruiting class allows us to have some pretty good depth with the girls coming in. We’re basically starting fresh with only three players returning from last years team. During this first season with the freshmen, we’ll be focused on teaching them the style of tennis we want them to play, how we want them to carry themselves and teaching them how to be a Gov on the court and in the classroom.”
Morrison stated she has expectations of winning right away given her competitive nature, and the goal is always winning conference. However, she wants to see her team compete with the best teams in the A-Sun this next season and build off their success.