Elizabeth Ferris Smith

Biography

Elizabeth Ferris Smith enters her 10th year at the helm of the UC Irvine women’s tennis program in 2025-26. She was officially announced as the Anteaters' head coach in July, 2017. Ferris had served in that position on an interim basis in 2016-17, following the retirement of Mike Edles, who was UCI's head coach for 20 years. In 2024-25, Ferris Smith once again guided multiple players to All-Big West honors. Kayla Meraz was the program's first second-team singles selection since 2016, while the pairing of Carolyna Fowler and Yen Nhi Huynh were also the Anteaters' first second-team doubles selection since 2016. In adition, Yen Nhi Huynh was named the Big West Player of the Week, a first for the 'Eaters in three years. Seven student-athletes were recognized as ITA Scholar Athletes, and five made the Big West All-Academic team. In 2023-24, Ferris Smith helped Jenna Schlatter earn All-Big West Honorable Mention singles distinction for the second consecutive season. Ferris Smith added to her list of all-conference players with Carolyna Fowler and Emily Fowler placing as honorable mention doubles. Six student-athletes were recognized on the Big West All-Academic team and as ITA Scholar Athletes. In 2022-23, Ferris Smith developed Schlatter into an All-Big West Honorable Mention singles player while boasting two Big West All-Academic team members and eight ITA Scholar Athletes. In 2021-22, Ferris Smith coached Ysabel Gonzalez-Rico to first-team All-Big West honors. Gonzalez-Rico was