Jun. 17—CHAMPAIGN — Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman didn’t have to look far when hiring a new women’s tennis coach. In fact, he stayed within the University of Illinois system, bringing Elizabeth Lumpkin Robinson to the Illini after three seasons at UIC.
Lumpkin Robinson is the ninth women’s tennis coach in program history. She replaces Evan Clark, who announced his retirement in late April following 11 seasons leading the Illini.
“Elizabeth is a proven winner with roots in our state as both a player and coach,” Whitman said in the official release. “She is arguably the most decorated prep player in Illinois history and later captained UCLA to the NCAA Championship.
“Most recently, she has spent three seasons at our sister school, UIC, where she led the Flames to two Missouri Valley Conference championships and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Elizabeth is excited to build on our proud women’s tennis tradition, and I have great confidence that we will elevate the program to new heights under her leadership.”
Lumpkin Robinson led UIC to a 41-24 record in dual matches, including a 19-4 mark in MVC play, during her three seasons in Chicago. Her tenure also included an NCAA tournament appearance in 2205.
Lumpkin Robinson was named 2026 MVC Coach of the Year in April after leading the Flames to their first conference title since 2021 and first MVC regular season title in any sport. UIC left the Horizon League for the MVC in 2022.
Before her stint at UIC, Lumpkin Robinson spent six seasons as an assistant coach, then associate head coach, at Oregon as her first collegiate coaching job. She helped lead the Ducks to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances in 2018 and 2022.
“I am excited for the honor and responsibility of joining the Big Ten and striving for greatness,” Lumpkin Robinson said in the release. “Our family is thrilled to remain in our home state and for the opportunity to make history. The investment and commitment to excellence at the University of Illinois is tremendous and I’m honored to build upon the strong foundation of Coach Clark. The electric energy of the Fighting Illini community and renowned academics of U of I provides our current and future student-athletes an exceptional experience.”
Lumpkin Robinson grew up in Naperville and remains in the IHSA record book after winning four consecutive state championships for Naperville Central. She was the first and remains the only girls’ tennis player in Illinois to claim that distinction. She went on to play at UCLA and was team captain and went 24-1 in singles play in 2008 when the Bruins won their first NCAA championship.
Lumpkin Robinson competed on the WTA and ITF circuits after her graduation from UCLA. She won six doubles titles and one singles title during her four-year pro career, peaking in the world rankings at No. 443 in singles and No. 280 in doubles.
