Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/246163
The Staff Furman Women's Tennis 2013-14 4 Christine Johnston Assitant Coach Kentucky, 2010 Christine Johnston is in her third season as an assistant coach with the Furman women's tennis team. Johnston, a native of Columbus, Ohio, was a member of the Kentucky women's tennis team from 2007-2010, when the Wildcats competed in three consecutive NCAA Tournaments (2007-2009). The team finished the 2008 season ranked 22nd nationally by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), then secured a season-ending ranking of 25th in 2009. A two-time All-SEC selection for singles, Johnston was honored with the ITA's Cissie Leary Award for Sportsmanship and was named to the SEC Community Service team her senior season after leading the Wildcats with a 13-7 (7-3 SEC) record. She and doubles partner Carolina Escamilla concluded the 2008 season ranked 30th nationally and were ranked as high as No. 16 in the 2009 rankings. Johnston was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2007, 2008, and 2009. "I am 'living the dream' with Christine as my assistant coach, " said Paladin head coach Debbie Southern. "She is an outstanding role model on and off the court for the girls on our team. Christine brings energy and enthusiasm to work every day. She is highly capable of doing anything I ask her to do, which is what every head coach wants from an assistant!" "Working with head coach Debbie Southern for the past two years has been a great experience," said Johnston. "She has built a very successful and respected program at Furman, and I am grateful to continue to be a part of this program. Our passion for the game, our love for the team, and our visions for success have allowed Coach Southern and I to build a strong relationship. Coach Southern not only inspires me to be the best coach I can be, but she truly makes me a better person each and every day. "The opportunity I have been given to coach and mentor the student-athletes within our program has been a humbling experience," said Johnston. "To work with such athletically and academically talented individuals who strive to get better on the tennis court and grow as individuals each day is something I have always wanted to be a part of. To have the opportunity to be a part of these student-athletes lives and to see them grow is what makes coaching so rewarding." After earning earned a degree in Integrated Strategic Communications from Kentucky in 2010, Johnston spent the 2011 season as a volunteer assistant coach with the Kentucky women's tennis team. 17 SoCon Regular Season Championships ~ 16 SoCon Tournament Crowns