Former Tennis Standout Emily McNall Iiames Passes Away

UNC Asheville Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of former women's tennis student-athlete Emily McNall Iiames after a battle with cancer, January 7, 2020. She was 26 years old.

McNall Iiames starred for the Bulldogs from 2011-15, contributing right away as a freshman by appearing in 22 singles matches and 21 double matches during dual competition. For her career, McNall Iiames collected 41 doubles victories and another 35 in singles play.

"Em was a truly special young woman who contributed to our program in more ways than I can count," women's tennis head coach Lise Gregory recalled. "She made us laugh every day, often when we least expected it, and I will always remember that beautiful, expressive face with an ever-present mischievous twinkle in her eye.

"Tom Hand and I, and Em's former teammates are absolutely devastated by her passing."

A native of Altadena, Calif., McNall Iiames showed tremendous growth on the court during her four seasons of competition. After combining for 11 singles victories in her first two seasons, she totaled 24 wins in singles competition in her final two years, including a career-best 13 victories as a junior.

She regularly lined up at No. 1 or No. 2 singles during her final two seasons, and compiled a 9-9 record in Big South Conference play.

Doubles competition offered McNall Iiames a chance to shine early on, racking up eight wins as a freshman and 11 as a sophomore. She posted a career-best 12-5 record in her junior season in doubles, and followed that up with 10 more victories – including nine at No. 1 doubles – in her final campaign.

She helped the Bulldogs to 43 victories as a team during her time as a student-athlete.

McNall Iiames graduated from UNC Asheville in the fall of 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Health and Wellness with a minor in Mass Communication.

Just after her graduation, McNall married former Bulldogs soccer player AJ Iiames, December 21, 2015. In February 2019, the couple moved from Asheville to Sacramento, where she worked as a personal trainer.

UNC Asheville Athletics will announce plans for a recognition and celebration of McNall Iiames in the near future.

University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics

Former Tennis Standout Emily McNall Iiames Passes Away

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