ORANGE CITY, Iowa – Northwestern College has announced an update regarding the future of its tennis programs.
Beginning with the 2026–27 academic year, Northwestern will discontinue men’s tennis due to the current number of student-athletes in the program and the inability to consistently meet the NAIA minimum roster requirement.
The women’s tennis program will continue to compete through the 2027–28 season, contingent upon maintaining a roster size that meets the NAIA minimum requirement. Recruitment of new female tennis players and retention of the existing five underclassman in the women’s tennis program will continue.
Northwestern is committed to providing women’s tennis the same, quality student-athlete experience as all other sport programs over the next two years as the program is phased out. The expectation will be that six or more athletes remain within the program through the 2027-28 season.
“Members of the President’s Cabinet approached this decision with great care and prayer after thoroughly exploring all available options,” said Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops. “Continuing to sponsor tennis at Northwestern beyond the 2027–28 season would require a significant investment in facilities, personnel, and scholarships that is not feasible given the institution’s broader strategic priorities. While administrators are called to steward the college’s resources wisely, we recognize that decisions like this are difficult and deeply impact our student-athletes and coaches.”
All members of both tennis teams will continue to have their scholarships honored throughout their time as students at Northwestern.
Northwestern’s tennis programs were first introduced in 1979 and competed through the 2002–03 season before being discontinued. Women’s tennis was reinstated in 2008, followed by the return of men’s tennis in 2018.
