Evangel University Director of Athletics Dr. Dennis McDonald has announced the addition of local tennis pro, Doug Elly to lead the Crusader women's tennis program.
A native of San Diego, Elly has spent the last 24 years in Springfield as a tennis pro at Hickory Hills Country Club, Cooper Tennis Complex and as the director of tennis and head pro at Millwood Golf and Racquet Club.
"I'm extremely thankful for being named the head coach at Evangel," said Elly who has coached more than 50 juniors who have went on to play tennis at the collegiate level. "I look forward to starting this new chapter and am excited for the future of Crusader tennis."
Most recently Elly has returned from Finland after playing with Team USA in the ITF Seniors World Team Championships, marking his third year playing for the United States. Elly also played on the professional tennis tour from 1988 to 1991 before starting his coaching career.
On the court he was also a standout at Missouri State, being named Conference Player of the Year in 1986 and 1987, as he won a title at No. 1 singles in '87 and was the conference doubles champion both seasons. He also was a three-time all-Mid-Continent selection in doubles and two-time honoree in singles.
Elly began his coaching career first as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Missouri State in 1987. After spending five years as an associate tennis pro at San Dieguito Tennis Club, he returned to Springfield to coach the Bears from 1993 to '96 as an assistant. He was also the assistant tennis coach at Drury University for three seasons and served as the Head Men's Tennis Coach at Missouri State during the program's final season in 2006.
Since 1993, Elly has had a major influence on junior tennis in the Springfield area coaching more than 50 players who have went on to play collegiately including former Missouri State standout Pavel Hanek who played on the ATP World Tour. He has also coached three former No. 1 world players that include Rod Laver, Pancho Segura and Bobby Riggs.
Currently, Elly has served as the associate professional at Hickory Hills Country Club since 2006 and tennis pro at the Cooper Tennis Complex since 1995.
A graduate of Missouri State, Elly earned his degree in Spanish and literature in 1987 after graduating from Grossmont Junior College in 1984. Elly currently resides in Springfield, Missouri.
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