Julie Lonks ’19, ’21 begins her second season as an assistant men's and women's tennis coach.
“I'm excited to have Julie join our tennis program here at Rhode Island College,” Head Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach Adam Spring said. “She was a standout player and captain during her illustrious career, and most recently, one of the best high school tennis coaches in the state at Smithfield High School. We're so lucky to have her back at RIC.”
“I am thrilled to be joining Coach Spring and the Rhode Island College tennis teams,” Lonks said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program that helped shape me into who I am today. Coach Spring has been my coach and mentor for all aspects of tennis and I look forward to working alongside him.”
Lonks was previously the head boys and girls tennis coach at Smithfield High School. She also runs the summer recreation tennis programs through Smithfield’s Parks and Recreation Department.
The Smithfield, Rhode Island native starred for the Anchorwomen from 2013-16. She closed out her career with a 52-7 (.881) singles record and a 51-9 (.850) doubles mark for 77.5 career points. At the conclusion of her career Lonks was the program’s all-time leader in points, while tying for first in doubles wins, ranking second in singles victories, fourth in singles winning percentage and second in doubles winning percentage.
She was named First Team All-Little East in doubles three times and to the Second Team once. Lonks was a two-time First Team All-Little East selection in singles and was twice named to the Second Team during her career.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education with a concentration in special education from Rhode Island College in 2019. Lonks searned an M.Ed. in urban multicultural special education from RIC in 2021.
In addition to her coaching duties, Lonks is a teacher in the Smithfield Public School system.
