CLEVELAND, Ga. (August 18, 2021) – The Truett McConnell University Athletic Department proudly announces the addition of the men's and women's tennis programs, beginning Fall of 2022, along with an on-campus tennis facility, with construction beginning this Fall.

"One of our goals at Truett McConnell University is to give student athletes the broadest possible platform to showcase their talents all-the-while shining the light on Jesus Christ," said President Dr. Emir Caner. "I am so thrilled our University is now entering the world of tennis. With state-of-the-art facilities being built by fall 2022, our student athletes will compete on one of the best collegiate stadiums in the AAC and the entire NAIA."

The addition of the two teams will bring the total number of athletic programs offered by the university to 22, which in all totals seven new programs to our department within the past four years. Both programs will begin competition in Spring of 2023 as members of the Appalachian Athletic Conference. The men are set to face conference foes, Tennessee Wesleyan University, Reinhardt University, Union College, Point University, Montreat College, Milligan University, Bluefield College and SCAD Atlanta; while the women will face the above schools, with the addition of Brenau University and Columbia College.

"I am extremely excited about the addition of Men's and Women's tennis," said Vice President for Athletics Jenni Shepard. "While other schools may be focusing on maintaining their current athletic programs, we are proud to be expanding our already thriving athletic teams. We feel truly blessed for the opportunity to welcome new student-athletes and fans to our campus with the new home facility. We hope to continue to positively represent our school and impact lives for Christ through the new tennis program."

The million-dollar facility will include eight lighted courts, which includes two championship style featured courts. Construction of the facility will be completed by July 1, 2022. The addition of these eight courts will allow adequate practice and competition space for the new programs. Recruiting will begin immediately to field the inaugural teams of 12 players for both the men and women for the Fall 2022 semester.

Interested student-athletes should contact the Vice President for Athletics at jshepard@truett.edu. A national search for the new Men's and Women's Tennis Head Coach for Truett McConnell University is underway. 

Keep up with the Bears throughout the 2021-2022 season here on tmbears.com and follow us on Facebook (@TMUBears), Instagram (@TMUBears) and Twitter (@TMUBears).