Franciscan University of Steubenville Men's Tennis

In the Fall of 2023, Gajkta was named Head Men's Tennis Coach. The Barons took another step forward in her second season as Head Coach. For the first time in program history, the Barons spent spring break in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina where they picked up a pair of wins. The Barons won the PAC Quarterfinal at home 4-0 over Westminster before falling in the PAC Semifinal to Grove City Seven players earned All-PAC honors, including Aaron Heinlein who earned First Team honors in singles and doubles.  In her first season at the helm, the Barons returned to the PAC Tournament, as they held a 5-3 mark in conference contests. Under the tutelage of Gajtka, Aaron Heinlein had a breakout freshman campaign that culminated in him earning PAC Newcomer of the Year honors. Six different players earned All-PAC honors in a successful opening season.  "After a long and thorough search process, I could not be more pleased to have Coach Gajtka on board," said Interim Director of Athletics, Alexis Basil. "She brings a wealth of experience that I believe will help the Barons continue to improve on and off the court." Gajtka has played tennis competitively and recreationally for the last 45+ years, as well as providing private lessons for the last 15 years. She is a retired teacher, as she most recently taught at St. Paul Elementary and West Virginia Northern Community College in Weirton, West Virginia. While at St. Paul Elementary, she established a tennis instructional program while earning a maximum grant of $2000 from the United States Tennis Association (USTA). She has also run several summer camps and summer leagues to help grow youth tennis in the local area while helping several players move on to playing tennis at the collegiate level. She also had a career in Human Resources and Information Technology at Weirton Steel Corporation. Year by Year Results at Franciscan Year Record Pct. PAC Postseason 2024-25 10-7 .588 6-2 / 3rd PAC Semifinal 2023-24 8-11 .421 5-3 / 4th PAC Semifinal Total 18-18 .500 11-5 (.687) Updated 6/6/2025

Alma Mater Ohio University '90  Playing Experience I have played tennis since I was 10 years old, playing in tournaments throughout the tri-state area in my teenage years as well as playing 4 years on my high school team (Steubenville Catholic Central).  I also played USTA Team Tennis in the Tri-State area for a few years when I was in my 20's. Currently I play in East Liverpool and in Pittsburgh, further advancing my own game.  Coaching Experience I have coached High School tennis at my Alma Mater at Catholic Central since 2022 and at Franciscan University since January 2025. Why Franciscan?  I have admired the tennis program for many years with all of the successes achieved and being a life-long practicing Catholic, made this decision so easy for me to be part of such a great Faith-filled University,  Athletic program and team.  The ability to coach these young men in the sport I am most passionate about and to pass along the message of Christ through athletics as we mold these young men into the leaders of tomorrow is a blessing and honor for me.