COLLEGE PARK, Md. – After serving as a Big Ten head coach at Iowa for the last seven years, Katie Dougherty is coming back home. Maryland Head Coach Daria Panova announced today that Dougherty has been named assistant tennis coach for the Terps.
Dougherty, a native of Ellicott City, had led the Hawkeye program since 2010 before recently stepping down to accept the Maryland position.
"I am beyond thrilled that Katie will be joining our coaching staff,” said Panova. “Her coaching experience and her knowledge of the Big Ten will be an invaluable asset to our program. On top of that, she is great role model and we are very lucky to have her."
Under Dougherty's tutelage, Iowa was ranked as high as No. 18 in the ITA national rankings in 2010, its highest ranking in school history. The Hawkeyes advanced to the 2010 NCAA Championships and Dougherty's 17-7 record in 2010 made her the winningest first-year coach in Iowa history.
In her seven seasons leading Iowa, the Hawkeyes earned five first-team All-Big Ten honors, advanced two doubles teams to the NCAA Championships, and earned 22 Academic All-Big Ten honors.
"I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with Daria and Maryland tennis,” said Dougherty. “I believe in what she's building at Maryland and look forward to helping our student-athletes succeed on and off the court."
Dougherty is a 10-year coaching veteran in the Big Ten Conference. Prior to joining the Hawkeyes, Dougherty served as assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Wisconsin. Her 2008 and 2009 recruiting classes received national recognition from Tennisrecruiting.net.
Dougherty served as an assistant coach at Penn State (2004-07) and American University (2003-04) before joining the Badgers. She helped guide American to the 2004 Patriot League title and a berth in the NCAA tournament.
Dougherty competed collegiately at Wisconsin (1999-2002). A four-year letterwinner for the Badgers, Dougherty finished her career with 45 singles victories. She was also a nationally-ranked doubles player, claiming 45 career doubles wins. She graduated from Wisconsin in 2002 with a degree in English.
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