University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
UNC Asheville Announces Jeff Maren as Women’s Tennis Head Coach
05.16.2025 | Women's Tennis
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – Jeff Maren has been named the new Head Women's Tennis Coach for UNC Asheville, announced on Friday, May 16, by Director of Athletics Janet R. Cone. Maren becomes the ninth head coach in program history.
"We are excited to welcome Jeff Maren to our Bulldog family," said Cone. "Lise Gregory is leaving big shoes to fill, and Maren's wealth of knowledge and experience showed that he was the perfect fit to take over the reins of our women's tennis program."
Maren has spent the last 10 months as the Head Coach for New College of Florida, a new NAIA program, whose inaugural season is 2025. He has spent the last 10 months recruiting to fill 20 roster positions between the men's and women's teams.
Before helping to begin the tennis program at New College of Florida, Maren served as the head women's tennis coach at Liberty University for 12 years. During his tenure at Liberty, Maren compiled an 184-98 record, including a 42-10 record in the Big South Conference, a 26-6 record in the ASUN, and a 5-0 record in Conference USA.
While at the helm of the program, the Flames reached the semifinals or finals of the conference tournament 11 times, including two Big South Championship appearances (2016, 2018), one ASUN championship appearance (2022), and one Conference USA championship appearance (2024).
Maren coached four nationally-ranked singles players and three nationally-ranked doubles partnerships during his time at Liberty.
Before joining the Flames, Maren was the associate head coach of the women's tennis program at North Texas for six years, where he helped the program bounce back from a 2-19 record in 2007 to a pair of Sun Belt Conference Championships in 2010 and 2012.
"I am so excited to join the UNC Asheville family," said Maren. "Janet Cone and her staff have welcomed me with open arms and have already made me feel at home! I have such great respect for what Lise Gregory has done with the tennis team. She has established a great tradition of excellence, and I look forward to continuing that tradition and assisting with the team's growth. The future looks bright for UNC Asheville tennis! Go Bulldogs!"
What they're saying about Jeff Maren:
"This is a great day for UNC Asheville tennis! Jeff Maren is a terrific coach & mentor, but more importantly, he is a great human being and a tremendous role model. He has all the tools and skills to develop a championship team while doing so holistically and keeping the best interests of the student athletes at all times. This is a home run hire, and I cannot wait to see the great things that are to come for UNC Asheville tennis!"
Sujay LamaHead Coach, Arkansas State University Women's Tennis
"I have had the opportunity to coach alongside Jeff in the Atlantic Region for many years. Jeff always leads and coaches with professionalism and care for his student-athletes, and I know he is going to do great things at UNC Asheville!"
Sara O'LearyHead Coach, University of Virginia Women's Tennis
"UNC Asheville has hired a knowledgeable, veteran tennis coach! More importantly, they hired a coach who strives to do things the 'right way,' valuing education as much or more than victory. Jeff Maren is the perfect person to build on Lise Gregory's legacy and lead this program forward."
Ty ThompsonAssociate Head Coach, University of North Carolina Women's Tennis
"Jeff Maren is a great hire for UNC Asheville! He brings energy and integrity to his team, and will give the student athletes a great experience! His experience and knowledge will be a great asset to the program!"
Chris YoungHead Coach, Oklahoma State University Women's Tennis
"Jeff is a great coach who takes pride in developing players to their potential and fosters overall character growth with his team. With his passion and knowledge for college tennis, I know he will continue the tradition of hard work and success at UNC Asheville."
Tayo Bailey-DuvallHead Coach, Middle Tennessee University Women's Tennis
"Jeff is an incredible coach with decades of experience in college tennis. His dedication, leadership, and relentless work ethic make him the perfect fit for this opportunity. Jeff will be a tremendous asset to the student-athletes, administration and UNC Asheville community. I look forward to seeing the positive impact that he will have."
Elizabeth AndersonHead Coach, Elon University Women's Tennis
"UNC Asheville has made an excellent hire in Coach Maren. You are not only getting a coach who can build a national level tennis program but also one with a track record of molding and building the character of his student-athletes."
Rob HubbardHead Coach, Sam Houston State University Women's Tennis
"Jeff is a man of integrity and he coaches with a big heart for his student-athletes! He will make his team better and prepare them for life! Jeff is a perfect fit for UNC Asheville!"
Derek SchwandtHead Coach, Liberty University Men's Tennis