FULLERTON, California – Cal State Fullerton Athletic Director Jim Donovan has announced the hiring of Ellie Johnson as the new women’s tennis head coach on Thursday, September 12.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Ellie’s experience taking over the reins of our Titan Women’s Tennis Program,” said Jim Donovan. “With eight years of head coaching experience at the NAIA and NCAA Division II levels, we expect Ellie to transition well to Big West Conference competition. Ellie’s upbeat personality and enthusiasm shone through during our national coaching search.”
Johnson is the 12th women’s tennis coach in program history. She joins Cal State Fullerton after serving as the head coach of the men’s and women’s tennis programs at Concordia University Irvine (2023-24) and the previous six seasons as the head coach at Westmont (2017-23).
During his one year at the helm of Concordia, the Golden Eagles men’s and women’s tennis teams 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 tight match against top-seeded Academy of Art University. The Concordia women’s tennis team finished with a 16-7 overall record and went 10-1 at home.
Ellie Johnson coached 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 honors. 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 All-Conference selections as CUI also set a program record for the DII era with 13 wins.
“I am excited and honored to join Cal State Fullerton as the new Head Women’s Tennis Coach,” said head coach Ellie Johnson. “I am grateful for the opportunity to lead such talented athletes and look forward to building on the success of my predecessors. A big 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 passion and dedication!”
Prior to joining CUI, Johnson coached the Westmont Warriors for six seasons, going 46-52. He was named the 2021 GSAC Coach of the Year after leading the Warriors to the GSAC Tournament Semifinals. He also led the Warriors to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, he coached Westmont to the Golden State Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles. The Warriors went 12-0 during the GSAC regular season. He was named the 2018 Wilson/ITA West Region Coach of the Year.
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 No. 2 singles and No. 1 doubles. Johnson, who was ranked No. 13 in doubles nationally, served as team captain during her junior and senior seasons. Johnson graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sports Science. After graduating, Johnson completed a master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration and served as an assistant women’s tennis coach at Concordia. She also served as a teaching professional at Woodbridge Tennis Academy.
“I want to thank Chairman Greg Paules and the entire selection committee for a job well done!” said Jim Donovan.
Committee members:
Greg Paules (chairman)
Mike Stone (CSUF alumnus, donor, and former student tennis athlete)
Jay Darden (Assistant AD, DEI)
Katie Thompson (Academic Athletic Counselor)
Spencer Crellin (Special Events Coordinator)
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