Oxford Tennis Moves from DIII to DII as program continues to inspire

Tarrell Mitchell •
Oxford Tennis Moves from DIII to DII as program continues to inspire

Oxford College tennis is progressing to a higher level. Following 22 national titles and numerous seasons of pioneering leadership that have enabled student-athletes to excel academically and athletically, Oxford has advanced this fall from NJCAA Division III to Division II.

This move represents both achievement and aspiration. “After nine national championship titles in a row at Division III for both the men’s and women’s tennis teams, the Oxford College program is ready for this new challenge,” says Head Tennis Coach Jonathan Bennett. “The program has earned this honor after many years of individual effort and strong teamwork that are key to the student-athlete model that sets Oxford apart.” 

Bennett, who was appointed in December 2023 and led both the men’s and women’s teams to national championship titles in 2024-2025, notes that students spend much of their junior tennis careers competing and practicing individually. “Over the last two years, I have watched many of our students become incredible leaders and communicators, focusing on helping each other become better players and creating a team that is stronger together. This defines the college athlete experience here at Oxford,” he says. 
 
This year’s teams are taking advantage of Oxford College’s newly upgraded tennis facilities to support their move to Division II. The freshly renovated tennis facilities are beautiful and now provide players and supporters with access to new shade structures and expanded multipurpose space for the Oxford community to enjoy outdoor activities. This includes upgraded teaching courts that benefit Physical Education beginner tennis and pickleball classes. 

Early Foundations
1890
–1919
Oxford’s athletic story begins in the 1890s, when President Warren Candler 1875C denounced intercollegiate sports as an academic distraction. Despite this stance, students maintained a lively athletic culture.
A Campus of Competitors
1920
-1930
After Emory’s relocation, Oxford continued to field athletic teams under the Academy and, beginning in 1929, as a two-year institution. Much of the competition was extramural—often against Emory in Atlanta or Young Harris College.
The Rise of Tennis
1930s
By the mid-1930s, tennis had become a signature Oxford sport. With five new courts constructed and a shift toward true intercollegiate play, Oxford achieved one of its earliest recorded athletic milestones: an 8–2 win over the University of Georgia first-years—potentially the college’s first victory over UGA.
A New Era in Physical Education
1950s
Carlos B. Meyer’s arrival as the director of physical education in 1950 ushered in a new focus on lifelong fitness. Under his leadership, Oxford launched its first intercollegiate golf team in 1951 and its men’s tennis team in 1953, expanding the college’s competitive landscape.
Breakthroughs in Intercollegiate Play
1960s
Throughout the 1960s, Oxford strengthened its instructional and intramural programs while achieving new intercollegiate success.
The Greer Legacy
1968
In 1968, Dr. Judy Greer—Oxford’s first woman faculty member and coach in the Division of Physical Education—led the women’s tennis team to the Georgia Junior College Athletic Association championship. That same year, Wayne Newton coached the men’s team to a GJCAA title, signaling a major breakthrough for Oxford athletics.
Rebuilding the Modern Era
1999
and beyond
Oxford’s full intercollegiate athletics program was officially re-established in 1999 through the initiative of Dean Dr. William Murdy, former dean of Oxford College. But its modern momentum largely stems from the influential work of Coach Judy Greer.

From 2003–2013, Coach Brandon Feldman built upon the foundation laid by Greer and others—Penny England, Matt and Tony Harris, and Lance Von Vogt. Feldman led Oxford to three men’s and one women’s NJCAA III national championships and shaped a culture where academic rigor and athletic ambition flourished together. 

“I hope the conversations I had with players are remembered as life lessons,” he said. “At Oxford, the dash between ‘student’ and ‘athlete’ is closer than at other institutions.” 

His decade of leadership helped establish the culture of excellence that continued under Coach Pernilla Harden, marking the rise of Oxford’s modern championship legacy. 

A Tennis Dynasty

Coach Pernilla Harden and her team of assistant coaches established a legacy of NJCAA Division III national tennis championship dominance during the 2015 academic season, when both the men’s and women’s teams claimed their first of nine National Championship titles. During her tenure as Oxford’s head tennis coach, her team won seven consecutive National Championships. She was inducted into both the NJCAA and GCAA Tennis Halls of Fame in 2020 and had Oxford. 
 
“The Oxford College tennis program Coach Harden built over her illustrious tenure has set the program up to attract some of the most amazing student athletes from all parts of the world, with the drive to be successful in the classroom and on the tennis court at the highest level,” says Bennett. “The Oxford College community was saddened by the passing of Coach Pernilla Harden in June of 2023, after a long battle with ovarian cancer. The college community and tennis team now support several charities furthering the research into ovarian cancer to honor her legacy.” 

Gwen Blount, who served as one of Hardin’s assistant coaches from 2022-2023 and interim head coach before Coach Bennett took over the program, says, “Coach Hardin would greet her players at each practice with ‘It’s a great day, check your troubles at the gate.’  Moving to Division II will help future players push their personal abilities to the next level.” 

Ayanna Young 11Ox 13C , who played on the Women’s Team from 2009 – 2011 under the leadership of Feldman, and is currently the assistant director of career and professional development at Oxford, says, “Playing at Oxford taught me discipline, responsibility, leadership, time management, and fueled a new level of love and appreciation for tennis. Our championship win in 2011 was historical, as my team was the first women’s tennis team to win a national championship, so that is an accomplishment that I will forever cherish.”  

A Bright Future 

Transitioning to NJCAA Division 2, Oxford tennis will now face competition against 4 NJCAA D3 teams and 30 NJCAA Division 1 teams that also moved to Division 2 for 2026. This elevated level of competition will prompt a new growth phase for the Oxford tennis program to achieve the historic successes of the past decade. Bennett views the move to Division II as an opportunity for students to continue growing through the Oxford program. “My favorite part about coaching is the ability to give back to the Oxford College community. It’s amazing to have the opportunity to play a role in the students’ building lifelong friendships with one another, developing the skillsets needed to propel them through their adult lives, and assisting in growing a love for the physical health gains of a lifelong tennis player,” he says.  

Jerry He 26Ox, a second-year student on this year’s men’s championship team, sums up the program this way: “Tennis has taught me that nothing is given. On the court, I have to hustle and fight for every point. That mindset has carried over to my academics and life goals, teaching me to give full effort in everything I pursue.”