SPOKANE, Wash.--Gonzaga women's tennis head coach D.J. Gurule announced the addition of four-time All-American Natalie Pluskota as assistant coach on Wednesday.

"We are very fortunate to welcome Natalie to the Gonzaga family," said Gurule of the hire. "Her tremendous collegiate career and professional experience will be an invaluable addition to our tennis program. More importantly, her passion for teaching and drive to develop student-athletes is an ideal fit for our program. I look forward to working with her as we continue to build upon Gonzaga women's tennis' tradition of excellence."

Pluskota comes to Spokane after a four-year pro career and two years of teaching experience. Most recently, she served as a tennis professional at Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club in Bridgehampton, New York. There, she gave lessons to members and oversaw children's summer tennis camps. During the 2015 dual season, Pluskota served as a volunteer assistant coach at Oklahoma State for the 2015 dual season, helping lead the Cowgirls to a 23-6 record and a spot in the NCAA Tournament's Round of 16.

During her professional career, Pluskota saw particular success on the doubles court, reaching a No. 157 world ranking and claiming four pairs titles. Most recently, she won the $10,000 Evansville (Indiana) Tournament in 2014 while adding wins in Rock Hill, South Carolina; Phoenix; and Atlanta. In singles play, she was a finalist in a $25,000 tournament at Landisville, Pennsylvania, reaching a world ranking of 478.

In college at the University of Tennessee, Pluskota earned four All-American honors, being recognized for her doubles play in 2009, 2010, and 2012, and singles play in 2012. She reached three NCAA Doubles Tournament semifinals, reaching the championship match in 2010. Additionally, Pluskota earned three All-SEC First Team or Second Team awards along with Freshman All-SEC Team honors in 2009. She won four doubles titles in college, including the 2011 ITA Ohio Valley Regional and the 2010 ITA All-American Tournament. Off the court, she was the women's tennis team's Student Athlete Advisory Committee representative, serving as SAAC vice president during her senior year.

"First of all, I am beyond excited and honored to join Gonzaga University," said Pluskota. "I would like to thank everyone involved in the hiring process for the opportunity to become part of the Bulldog family. College tennis holds a special place in my heart, and I cannot wait to surround myself with it again. I am deeply humbled to have the opportunity to work with D.J., the athletics department, the student-athletes, and the Spokane community."

Pluskota takes over for Megan Falcon, who accepted a job at Wisconsin over the summer.