LAKEWOOD, NJ- Georgian Court University Director of Athletics & Recreation,Laura Liesman, has officially announced the hiring of Ashleigh Johnson Parker as the Lions' next head women's tennis coach.

"We are pleased to welcome Ashleigh to the GCU family," stated Liesman. "As a decorated former student-athlete, she understands what it takes to be successful on the court, while balancing the rigors of everyday life that college students face on a regular basis."  

I look forward to inspiring the GCU women's tennis team to strive for and achieve success on and off the court," shared Johnson Parker. "As a highly-motivated former scholar-athlete and a successful business professional, I am excited to make a difference in women's athletics at the collegiate level."

Ashleigh played four years of NCAA Division I tennis at Monmouth University while also serving as the team's captain. The 2006 team Most Valuable Player and All-American Scholar Athlete played second-position singles and first-position doubles for the Hawks.

Johnson Parker was also extremely active away from the court, serving on Monmouth's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and as a peer advisor. A  member of the Phi Eta Sigma Honor Society and Chi Alpha Sigma National College Athlete Honor Society, Ashleigh graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in Communications (Public Relations & Journalism).

Ashleigh, a resident of Monmouth Beach, N.J., currently serves as a partner and sales representative for Foundation Title in Eatontown, N.J.

The Lions kick off the 2014 fall schedule this Thursday afternoon with a road match at Stockton College. Start time is slated for 4:00 p.m.