Chambana Sun

Alexis Casati Raines has been named associate head coach of the University of Illinois women's tennis program, returning to her alma mater after several years coaching at other institutions. The announcement was made by Evan Clark, the team's head coach.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Lex back to the program," said Clark. "Bringing her back to the Illini Family marks a significant and meaningful moment for our program. Few experiences in my career have been as gratifying as the opportunity to welcome her home."

Raines graduated from Illinois in 2017 and has since held coaching roles at Western Michigan, SMU, and Georgia Tech. Most recently, she served as associate head coach at SMU during their first season competing in the ACC.

"The University of Illinois has a special place in my heart," Raines said. "I am grateful for the opportunity to come back to Champaign-Urbana and work alongside Coach Clark. I had a tremendous experience as a student-athlete here, and I can't wait to help facilitate that same experience for our current and future players. Go Illini!"

Raines played under Clark during his early years with Illinois women's tennis; she was on his first squad as full-time head coach.

Clark added: "As with so much in our profession, timing is everything — and we are incredibly fortunate that the circumstances aligned to bring her back at this time. Having the chance to reunite with one of our own, someone who has worn the Orange and Blue and understands the culture, is invaluable as we continue to build for the future. Lex is one of the most promising young coaches in the country. She brings an impressive depth of experience, both as a player and a coach, and we are confident in the immediate and lasting impact she will have on our student-athletes. Her passion for teaching, mentorship, and development aligns perfectly with the vision of our program."

During her coaching career so far, Raines has guided six All-Americans and nine all-conference selections while also helping two players win ITA Regional Rookie of the Year awards. She contributed to leadership development among athletes—two earned ITA Regional Ann Lebedeff Leadership Awards under her guidance.

At Georgia Tech, where she spent four seasons before returning briefly to SMU, Raines helped secure top national recruiting classes—including No. 7 nationally—and assisted teams reaching NCAA Tournament rounds consistently.

"In addition to her experience, Lex's deep-rooted connection to the University of Illinois gives her a unique perspective and an authentic voice in recruiting and in our day-to-day culture," Clark said further. "That kind of authenticity is hard to find — and it's going to make a real impact. Her enthusiasm for returning is evident — this program means a great deal to her, and that commitment resonates with everyone around her. She wants to be here, and this place holds a special place in her heart. We can't wait for her to join us. Welcome home, Lex."

Raines holds degrees from Illinois (journalism) and Western Michigan (sports management). As an Illini athlete herself from Deerfield, Illinois she earned All-Big Ten honors once; was twice team captain; three times MVP; set records as a freshman; received Academic All-Big Ten honors three times; was recognized as an ITA Scholar-Athlete on three occasions; finished with 67 singles wins over four years playing mainly at No. 1 or No. 2 positions.