AUSTIN, Texas – Concordia University Texas Director of Athletics
Stan Bonewitz announced Tuesday that the department will add men's and women's tennis to its list of intercollegiate sport offerings for the 2015-16 academic year.
"Concordia has a long history of tennis tradition, dating back to our days as a junior college," Bonewitz said. "Tennis also is a sport that has a rich past in the Austin area. This will allow us continue the dialogue with prospective student-athletes who want to continue their education at Concordia and compete in tennis at the collegiate level."
The tennis programs return to Concordia Texas following a seven-year absence. Both programs will compete immediately at the NCAA Division III level and as a part of the American Southwest Conference, along with the department's 13 other sports.
"The reinstatement of tennis is a great way for us to reconnect with the long history and tradition of our institution," Dr. Donald Christian, chief executive officer of Concordia University Texas, said. "Tennis, along with all of our other sports, is another great opportunity for leadership development. This is an exciting time for Concordia, as we continue to grow and fulfill our mission of developing Christian leaders."
Concordia also will begin a national search for a head coach immediately.
TENNIS Q&AIf I am a person interested in the head coaching vacancy, who should I contact?Interested parties for the full-time position should contact Director of Athletics
Stan Bonewitz at
stan.bonewitz@concordia.edu and fill out an official application. The job posting is available
here.
If I am a prospective student-athlete, who should I contact?Prospective student-athletes for men's and women's tennis should
fill out a questionnaire or contact Bobby Courtney in the Concordia Admissions Office. He can be reached at
robert.courtney@concordia.edu.
When will tennis begin competition?While a schedule has not been completed, the men's and women's tennis teams will begin competition in the 2015 fall semester. Tennis holds its championship season during the spring semester, so both teams will compete in a full American Southwest Conference schedule during the spring of 2016.
Which of the other American Southwest Conference schools also offers tennis?Currently, all 11 of the other ASC member institutions sponsor both men's and women's tennis. The Tornados will compete against East Texas Baptist University, Hardin-Simmons University, Howard Payne University, LeTourneau University, Louisiana College, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, McMurry University, University of the Ozarks, Sul Ross State University, University of Texas at Dallas and University of Texas at Tyler. Starting next fall, Belhaven University also will be added as a full ASC member.
