FAYETTE, Iowa - Upper Iowa University Director of Athletics David Miller announced today that Jacquelyn Doll has been selected as the new head coach of the Peacock tennis program. Doll comes to UIU and the Fayette community from the Midtown Athletic Club in Palatine, Illinois, where she is a USTPA certified teaching pro.
“We are excited about the hiring of Jacque Doll,” said Miller. “It became clear to us early in the interview that she had the leadership skills, passion, desire, and attitude that we sought in our head coach. She will be one of the best young head coaches in the country.”
The Peacocks were invited to compete at the NCAA Central Regional tournament last season, marking the first time in the program's history that the Peacocks have been invited to postseason competition. UIU was led by Anastasia Dabiza and Courtney Romer, who return for their sophomore and junior seasons. Dabiza was named the NSIC Freshman of the Year and earned spots on the Singles All-Conference First Team and the Doubles All-Conference Second Team, while Romer was named to the Singles All-Conference Second Team and the Doubles All-Conference Second Team with Dabiza.
Dabiza, last year’s ITA Regional Singles Champion, capped off her freshman season in the Northern Sun Conference with a 23-5 record at #1 singles and an 8-1 mark against NSIC opponents. In doubles competition, the Skokie, Illinois native posted a 15-7 record with three different partners. Romer completed her sophomore season with a 17-3 record at #2 singles and went undefeated, 9-0, in NSIC action. The sophomore from Maquoketa posted a 8-9 record in all doubles matches including a 5-4 mark in the NSIC. She was also named to the NSIC All-Academic Team.
“I am excited about this great opportunity and grateful to have the chance to lead this group of young ladies as they grow as athletes and adults,” stated Doll. “I am looking for student-athletes that love the game of tennis and are focused on Upper Iowa and the education they will receive here.”
Doll completed her collegiate tennis career last spring with the Huskies of St. Cloud State University. She amassed a career record of 92-33 in singles competition and a 91-35 mark in doubles. The St. Cloud, Minnesota native was named as an All-NSIC performer in singles and doubles as a junior and senior. Doll led the Huskies to win the 2010 NSIC Tournament Championship and the NCAA DII Central Regional helping SCSU advanced to the NCAA Division II Championships for the first time in the program’s history. She said, “The Northern Sun Conference is a competitive conference within the region and the nation.”
“Jackie had a positive and exciting student-athlete experience and wants the young women in her program to have the same student-centered and positive student-athlete experience,” added Miller. “Jackie has been a leader on and off the tennis court, she is a student of the game, and has proven head coaching experience. Furthermore, she is experienced and is recognized within NCAA Division II and the NSIC women’s tennis circles.”
Doll has been teaching tennis since 2003. She began her teaching career with the Staples Community Education Tennis Program as an Assistant Instructor. She continued at the Gold’s Gym Tennis Club as an Assistant Instructor in 2006 before adding Head Instructor duties at the Rocori Continuing Education Tennis Program in 2007. She also was named the Head Varsity Girls Tennis Coach at Rocori High School in 2007.
The Upper Iowa Tennis Complex, UIU’s newest athletic facility, was finished near the end of June this past summer and is now ready for the 2010-11 season. “I am very excited about the new tennis complex at UIU,” Doll stated. “What great colors! I am looking forward to getting on the courts with the team for the first time this fall.”
Doll graduated from St. Cloud State with a Bachelor’s Degree in communications studies.