Jessica Tharp became the head coach of the women's tennis program during the spring of 2021.

During the 2022 campaign, Tharp guided the Muskies to a sixth-place finish in the Ohio Athletic Conference and a berth in the OAC tournament for the first time since 2017. Additionally, two student-athletes were honored with All-OAC accolades. Academically, under Tharp, two student-athletes earned Academic All-OAC, while three were named Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athletes for their excellence in the classroom.

Tharp, a former head coach and assistant coach for the Muskingum tennis program, was a standout student-athlete for the Muskie women's tennis team. She earned All-Ohio Athletic Conference and Academic All-OAC honors during her tenure. She was also recognized as an Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete and was a Muskingum Intercollegiate Tennis Association All-Academic Team member. Tharp anchored first singles and first doubles and served as captain for the Muskie squad.

"I'm excited to welcome Jessica back to the Muskingum family," said Muskingum Vice President and Athletic Director Steve Brockelbank. "Jessica's passion and knowledge of tennis are tremendous, and her love for Muskingum shines bright. I'm looking forward to Coach Tharp building our tennis program and serving as a role model to our student-athletes."

Tharp previously served as the Muskingum men's and women's assistant tennis coach from September 2014 to September 2018 and as the head coach of the women's team from January 2014 to May 2014.

Following her illustrious tennis career, Tharp has worked as a tennis instructor for the Cambridge Area YMCA, Zane State College, and the New Concord Area Arts and Recreation District. She has also worked at the Muskingum County Board of DD as an intervention specialist at the Starlight School and works at the East Muskingum Middle School as an intervention specialist. 

Most recently, Tharp spearheaded an effort to start a tennis club at John Glenn High School and founded the ACES Tennis Academy for K-6 students in the county.

Tharp graduated in 2006 as Muskingum's valedictorian with a B.A. in early childhood education. She completed her M.A.E. at Muskingum as an intervention specialist in 2011.