SPRINGFIELD, OH – Playing tennis at Wittenberg University has been a positive part of the collegiate experience for hundreds of Tiger student-athletes for many years. Following a year of of restructuring, including an announcement last September that Wittenberg Men’s and Women’s Tennis were being discontinued as intercollegiate programs, Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian Agler, Wittenberg Class of 1980, has announced that the teams have officially been reinstated.

The reinstatement was made possible through the generosity, persistence, and tenacity of a group of alumni who have pledged their support to fund the program. Not only are these proud Tigers eager to maintain the University’s long tradition of success on the hardcourts, they recognize the value successful tennis teams bring to Wittenberg as future Tigers gain the same academic and athletic opportunities afforded to them.

“With great excitement, we are announcing the reinstatement of the Wittenberg Men’s and Women’s Tennis programs,” Agler said. “Our student-athletes have remained steadfast in competing this year, and combining this with a group of very generous alumni, we have the ability to sustain the program.

“Our tennis programs have produced many amazing and accomplished student-athletes and teams over the years, and we look forward to continuing this tradition. Thank you to all involved.”

John DeVito, Wittenberg Class of 2023, has led the Tigers as the program’s interim head coach since May 2024, even while working full-time at Wittenberg as assistant director of career engagement. Throughout an obviously challenging 2024-25 season, DeVito has remained a positive force in guiding and supporting the student-athletes involved in the program. This announcement has DeVito enthusiastically looking ahead to the opportunity to rebuild the men’s and women’s programs into North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) contenders again.

“The decision to continue the tennis program is great for the University, current and future players, and, most importantly, the alumni,” DeVito said. “Without their assistance and continuous support, the decision to continue Men’s and Women’s Tennis at Wittenberg would have never happened.”

DeVito, a former All-NCAC player for the Tigers, is recruiting student-athletes interested in becoming members of next year’s men’s and women’s tennis teams. To learn more about Wittenberg Men’s and Women’s Tennis, contact DeVito at devitoj@wittenberg.edu.