Florida Hired Sarah Hamner as Assistant Coach
The former University of South Carolina standout joined the Gators' tennis staff in late August 2026.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Tennis
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The Florida women's tennis team officially hired former collegiate star Sarah Hamner as an assistant coach in late August 2026. Hamner joined the program after deciding to transition to coaching following a professional playing career interrupted by an Achilles injury.
Why it matters
Hamner brings significant experience to the staff after earning four All-American honors during her collegiate career. Her transition to the sideline marks a shift in her focus toward learning coaching techniques under Florida head coach Per Nilsson.
Hamner recorded 106 career singles wins and achieved a No. 1 national singles ranking during her freshman year. She also maintained a 25-14 conference win-loss record during her time competing from 2021 to 2025.
The players
Sarah Hamner
She is a former standout tennis player who earned four All-American honors at the University of South Carolina.
Per Nilsson
He currently serves as the head coach for the Florida women's tennis team.
Axel Damiens
He is the associate head coach for the Florida women's tennis program who recruited Hamner.
The details
Associate head coach Axel Damiens extended the offer to Hamner following her April 2026 Achilles tear. She now joins the staff in Gainesville to assist head coach Per Nilsson in developing the team.
Timeline
Hamner competed for the University of South Carolina from 2021 to 2025.
Hamner suffered an Achilles tear in April 2026.
Hamner joined the Florida staff in late August 2026.
Season Trajectory
This hire strengthens the Florida coaching staff as the program looks to integrate new tactical expertise following the NCAA Division I tennis coaching standards. The addition of a former high-performing athlete like Hamner could impact player development and recruiting competitiveness for the upcoming season.
Hamner's recruitment adds a former national-level competitor to the practice courts in Gainesville. Her involvement provides current Florida players with access to a mentor who recently navigated high-level collegiate singles and doubles competition.
The takeaway
Hamner's transition underscores the common path for elite collegiate athletes whose playing careers are cut short by injury. Her focus on learning from veteran coaches like Per Nilsson signals her commitment to a new phase in her professional life.
Further reading
For more on collegiate athletic staff transitions, visit the Tennis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Independent Florida Alligator.
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