MOUNT BERRY, Ga. - A proven collegiate coach with years of experience as a tennis professional, Doug Elly has been named the head coach of Berry College's men's and women's tennis programs. The announcement was made by Athletic Director Dr. Angel Mason Monday morning.

"We are excited to have a coach of Doug's caliber joining our staff," said Mason. "I look forward to seeing how our programs continue to grow on the foundation set by Clay Hightower."

"I am very eager to embark on a new coaching experience offered by Berry College," said Elly. "I'm very grateful and honored to be able to share my passion and experience of the game of tennis with the Vikings. I'm looking forward to making a difference in their success on the court, classroom, community, the Southern Athletic Association, and NCAA Divison III."

Elly will be replacing Clay Hightower, who is retiring from Berry after 30 years of service. In recognition of his work with the program, the Berry College Board of Trustees has named Hightower Tennis Coach Emeritus.

Elly joins the Vikings after a successful stint with the William Jewell College, an NCAA Division II program. The 2023 season yielded some of the best results in recent history for the school. The men's program qualified for postseason play for the first time in 10 years, reaching the Great Lakes Valley Conference quarterfinal round. Ugnicus Bickauskis earned First Team All-GLVC accolades, becoming the first Cardinal to earn First Team All-GLVC honors in back-to-back years since the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

The women's program at William Jewell had 17 wins across the final two seasons Elly was at the helm, a steep improvement over his first three campaigns. The 2022 season saw the Cardinals have their highest win total since 2015.
Berry's new coach has essentially been around tennis for all of his adult life. For nearly 30 years, Elly has served either as a coach or tennis pro at clubs in Missouri and Florida. His longest stop as a tennis pro was at Cooper Tennis Complex in Springfield, Mo., from 1995-2017.

Elly has also been a successful professional tennis player. He played regularly on the professional tennis tour from 1988-91. He was ranked No. 3 nationally in Men's 45 Singles in 2008. He has previously trained with former World No. 1-ranked players and major championship winners Rod Laver, Pancho Segura, and Bobby Riggs.

Collegiately, Elly played at Southwest Missouri State University, now known as Missouri State University. He played both No. 1 singles and doubles at the NCAA D-I level and was the conference's Player of the Year.

Elly will begin his duties at Berry Aug. 1.