In an exciting display of athletic prowess, the Alabama A&M women’s tennis team and the Tennessee State University men’s tennis team emerged victorious at the 23rd annual HBCU National Tennis Championships held at the South Fulton Tennis Center in Georgia from Sept. 14 to 16, 2024. This prestigious tournament showcased the talents of over 30 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, bringing together more than 250 players competing in both singles and doubles matches.
Alabama A&M women’s team makes history
The Alabama A&M women’s team clinched their first-ever national championship title by scoring an impressive 84 points, outpacing their competitors. This victory marks a significant milestone for the team, highlighting their dedication and hard work throughout the season. Following closely behind, Hampton University’s women’s team secured second place with 73 points, while North Carolina Central University rounded out the top three with 57 points.
Tennessee State University men’s team repeats as champions
On the men’s side, Tennessee State University successfully defended their title, tying with Hampton University but emerging victorious based on tie-breaking rules. Both teams scored 87 points, but Tennessee State’s head-to-head performance, with three wins against two losses, gave them the edge. This repeat championship underscores the strength and consistency of Tennessee State’s tennis program.
Overview of the HBCU National Tennis Championships
The HBCU National Tennis Championships serve as a platform for HBCUs to compete at a national level, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship among participating institutions. The tournament is open to all HBCUs, allowing schools to showcase their talent and strive for excellence in collegiate tennis.
According to the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the event not only highlights the competitive nature of HBCU tennis but also provides an opportunity for student-athletes to gain recognition and potentially advance their careers in the sport. The tournament features a mix of singles and doubles matches, ensuring a comprehensive test of skill for all participants.
Final standings and highlights
Here are the final standings from the tournament:
Women’s team standings
1. Alabama A&M University – 84 points
2. Hampton University – 73 points
3. North Carolina Central University – 57 points
4. Morgan State University – 55 points
5. Tennessee State University – 55 points
6. Alabama State University – 54 points
7. Jackson State University – 46 points
8. Florida A&M University – 44 points
9. Shaw University – 32 points
10. Delaware State University – 30 points
11. Xavier University of Louisiana – 29 points
12. Tuskegee University – 21 points
13. Albany State University – 15 points
14. Alcorn State University – 11 points
15. Clark-Atlanta University – 10 points
16. Spring Hill College – 8 points
17. Benedict College – 8 points
18. Southern University – 7 points
19. Bethune-Cookman University – 2 points
20. LeMoyne-Owen College – 0 points
Men’s team standings
1. Tennessee State University – 87 points (H2H vs. ASU: 3-2)
2. Alabama State University – 87 points
3. North Carolina Central University – 82 points
4. Jackson State University – 57 points
5. Hampton University – 39 points
6. Morgan State University – 39 points
7. Alabama A&M University – 83 points
8. Spring Hill College – 23 points
9. Tuskegee University – 21 points
10. Shaw University – 17 points
11. Alcorn State University – 15 points
12. Benedict College – 12 points
13. Xavier University of Louisiana – 10 points
14. Southern University – 6 points
15. LeMoyne-Owen College – 0 points
The HBCU National Tennis Championships not only celebrate the athletic achievements of these institutions but also promote the importance of sports within the HBCU community. As Alabama A&M and Tennessee State University bask in their well-deserved victories, the future of HBCU tennis looks bright, inspiring the next generation of athletes to strive for greatness.
