Sept. 17, 1999

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - The University of North Carolina has hired Alisha Portnoy-Woodruff, a former All-America and letterwinner at Carolina, as assistant women's tennis coach, head coach Roland Thornqvist announced Friday. Portnoy-Woodruff played at Carolina from 1990-93 and was named an Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-America as a senior.

"I am pleased to announce that the women's tennis team has brought back one of its own," said Thornqvist, who played for the Carolina men's team from 1990-93 while Portnoy-Woodruff played for the UNC women. "I'm very happy to have Alisha back at UNC. We played here together, so I know her well already. We work very well together and her work ethic and enthusiasm are precisely what this team needs."

Portnoy-Woodruff and fellow All-America Cinda Gurney were ranked No. 1 in the nation at doubles during the 1993 season and reached the second round of the 1993 NCAA Tournament. The pair won the ITA Clay Court Championships, advanced to the semifinals of the ITA Riviera All-American Championships and reached the quarterfinals of the ITA Rolex National Indoor Championships in '93.

A native of Santa Clarita, Calif., Portnoy-Woodruff compiled a career singles record of 68-65 and a career doubles mark of 90-38. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from Carolina in 1993.