Wilmington College Reinstates Men's and Women's Golf and Tennis Programs

Strategic Insights -

Wilmington College has made the exciting decision to reinstate its Men's and Women's Golf and Tennis programs, bringing the total number of NCAA Intercollegiate programs to 20. This move is a result of internal and external support to build these programs with excellence in mind. Director of Athletics Matt Croci expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are thrilled to bring back our Golf and Tennis programs and provide opportunities to new male and female student-athletes to join the Wilmington community." The Quakers golf and tennis programs were discontinued at the conclusion of the 2012-13 academic year, but the return of these sports reflects a broader commitment to expanding opportunities that support student interests in athletics, recreation, and lifelong wellness, in line with the college's strategic plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The reinstatement of the Men's and Women's Golf and Tennis programs brings the total number of NCAA Intercollegiate programs at Wilmington College to 20.
  • A national search for two full-time head coaches, one for golf and one for tennis, will begin immediately, with the goal of recruiting for the 2025-2026 academic year and starting competition in the 2026-2027 year.
  • The return of these programs reflects a broader commitment to expanding opportunities that support student interests in athletics, recreation, and lifelong wellness, as stated by Wilmington President Corey Cockerill.
  • The Men's Tennis program was previously led by notable Hall of Famers, including Joe Freudenberg (2022), Dick Fortner (2003), and Peter Sturtevant Jr. (2018), who were also notable contributors to the program's success.
  • Andrea Gibson, Megan Stiltner, and Jessie Heslar of the Quakers women's tennis team were all named All-OAC twice during their time at Wilmington.

Statistics:

  • 20: The total number of NCAA Intercollegiate programs now offered by Wilmington College.
  • 2012-13: The academic year in which the Quakers golf and tennis programs were discontinued.
  • 2025-2026: The academic year during which a national search for two full-time head coaches for golf and tennis will take place.
  • 2026-2027: The year in which the reinstated golf and tennis programs will begin competition.
  • 3: The number of times First-Team All-OAC men's tennis team member Joe Freudenberg was named during his time at Wilmington.

Sources:

  • [Wilmington College Athletics news release]
  • [Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC)]
  • [Wilmington College Athletics]