October 2, 2026
CLEVELAND, Ga. – Truett-McConnell University’s efforts to expand its sports programs were evident at the recent President’s Weekend at the school.
In August, the Truett McConnell University Athletic Department announced the addition of the men’s and women’s tennis programs. And the special weekend featured the dedication and ribbon cutting for the new on-campus tennis facility. A significant number of students, faculty and guests were present for the dedication ceremony.
University President Emir Caner stated, “One of our goals at Truett McConnell University is to give students the broadest possible platform to showcase their talents all the while shining the light on Jesus Christ. I am so thrilled our university is now entering the world of tennis. With the state-of-the-art facilities that have been built, our student athletes will compete in one of the best collegiate stadiums in the Appalachian Athletic Conference and the entire National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics."
Caner added, “The addition of the tennis teams featuring 8 men and 6 women 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 the Spring of 2023 as members of the AAC. The men are set to face conference foes including 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.”
Jenni Shepard, vice president for Student Life and Athletics, commented, “Tennis is primarily a spring sport, however, much like golf, we will have contests during both semesters. With this being our inaugural season and with our facility just being completed we have chosen to only have a couple of fall scrimmages away, but next year we will have a more robust fall schedule.
“Our ultimate goal for our student athletes is to prepare them to use their profession as a platform to impact others for Christ. We strive to prepare them to share and defend the Gospel and to leave TMU equipped to fulfill the Great Commission.”
Shepard continued, “Athletics teaches students many things from time management to overcoming adversity to fighting for something you believe in to coming together as a collaborative unit to achieve a goal, all of which are qualities that will benefit them as they leave our university and begin their profession.
“Our desire is that our student athletes live out their faith on a daily basis and are leaders in the classroom, the TMU community, their hometowns, and during athletic competition. Our goal is to prepare them to leave TMU stronger in their faith than when they arrived and are able to effectively impact others for Christ.
"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 tennis facility includes eight lighted courts which will allow adequate practice and competition space for the new programs. Many of the athletes for the inaugural teams have already been recruited and are engaged in intense practice sessions.
Participating in the ribbon-cutting ceremony were President Caner, Brad Reynolds, vice president for Academic Services, Dr. Jason Graffagnino, vice president for Finance and Operations, Marty Carnes, vice president for Advancement/Chief Strategy Officer, and Shepard.
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