July 10, 2000

Virginia Tech Director of Athletics Jim Weaver has announced the employment of Lisa Hart as the head women's tennis coach. She replaces Anne Jones-Thompson, who retired at the end of the 2000 season, after serving as the head women's tennis coach for the past 16 years and compiling a 260-159 record.

"I'm very pleased that Lisa has joined the Tech athletic staff as our women's tennis coach," Weaver said. "With her experience at Nebraska as a player and coach, she brings the necessary tools to build upon the tradition our program has enjoyed under the leadership of Anne Jones-Thompson during her 16-year tenure."

Hart comes to Tech after serving as the assistant women's tennis coach at the University of Nebraska for the last two years. While she was on the staff at Nebraska, the Huskers compiled a two-year record of 36-13, including a 19-5 record this past year.

"I'm really excited about the opportunity to coach the women's tennis program at Virginia Tech," Hart said. "Virginia Tech is a good program with a solid tradition, winning five-straight Atlantic 10 Conference titles and making five NCAA Tournament appearances. With all six starters back from last year's squad, I hope that we can make an impact in our first year as a member of the BIG EAST Conference."

Hart was a tennis standout at Nebraska, finishing her career as one of the most successful women's tennis players in school history. She recorded a 74-40 career singles record, winning the Big 12 Conference No. 2 singles title as a senior.

Hart, the 1995 Big Eight Freshman of the Year, was the first women's tennis player at Nebraska to win a conference singles title since 1978 and only the sixth player ever. She was selected to the all-conference team twice and her 74 wins ranks No. 3 on the school's career singles victory list.

Hart was a three-time academic all-conference selection, earning first-team academic All-Big 12 as a senior. She was selected by the Intercollegiate Tennis Association as the Central Region's "Cissie Learie Sportsmanship Award" winner, one of six throughout the country. As a senior, Hart also received the Arthur Ashe Sportsmanship Award.

Hart, and her husband John, reside in Christiansburg, Va. He completed a law degree from Nebraska in May 1999.