MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. | Georgia College & State University Director of Athletics Wendell Staton has announced that Ashton Morrison will serve as the interim head coach for the Bobcat men's and women's tennis teams this season.

"We are excited to have Ashton step into this role," said Staton. "She has the experience, knowledge, and work ethic to lead our program to holistic and competitive success with class and integrity. Ashton has literally lived the GCSU experience, and she understands what it takes to provide our student-athletes with a championship experience. She had the opportunity to learn and lead as an assistant coach under the mentorship of Steve Barsby, and that experience will serve her extremely well in this new role. As an assistant coach, Ashton took on significant responsibility across all aspects of the program and consistently demonstrated the leadership, preparation, and commitment necessary to build a successful team.

As an award-winning player for GCSU who competed on NCAA Tournament teams, Ashton was also one of the most consistent players and fiercest competitors I have seen in any sport," added Staton. "She will bring that same passion, competitiveness, and determination to our tennis program. I have tremendous confidence in Ashton and fully expect our program to continue competing at the highest level as a nationally competitive program. Ashton Morrison is the right leader at the right time for GCSU tennis, and I am excited to see all that she will accomplish in this role."

Morrison played four seasons for the Bobcats from 2021-24 and served as the graduate assistant coach for the men's and women's tennis teams the past two seasons. Morrison, who won 80 matches (40 singles, 40 doubles) during her time in the Capital City. She was twice named to the All-Peach Belt Conference team in doubles during her career. She helped the Bobcats to a a NCAA Division II Tournament appearance in 2023, advancing to the regional final and earned a No. 14 national ranking. As an assistant coach, she helped the Bobcats earn a trip to the NCAA Division II Women's Tennis Tournament in 2025.

"I'm incredibly honored to have the opportunity to step into this role," said Morrison.  "I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Barsby and the program that he has built here. GCSU tennis has given me so much and continues to be such an important part of my life, so I'm excited to have the chance to give back and play a part in continuing the legacy of this program."

Morrison earned her bachelor's degree in special education in 2024 and her master's degree in public administration in 2026 from GCSU.

About GCSU Athletics
Owning the top Academic Success Rate among all public colleges and universities in Division II for five consecutive academic years, the Georgia College Department of Athletics sponsors 13 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. GCSU Athletics has won six consecutive Presidents' Awards for Academic Excellence and are two-time winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup and four-time winners of the PBC Institution of the Year Sportsmanship Award. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' continued appearances in postseason competition as well as high-level academic success and community-service involvement. Bobcat Athletics embodies the mantra of "Graduating Champions for Life."