LIBERTY, Mo. – William Jewell College has announced the discontinuation of the men's and women's tennis programs, following the conclusion of the 2025-2026 season. The decision comes after a thorough evaluation of short- and long-term program sustainability. Current student-athletes were informed in-person while parents and alumni received digital communication.
"This news is shared with a heavy heart, and we are deeply grateful to the student-athletes, coaches, alumni, and supporters who have contributed to the tennis programs, said William Jewell College President, Dr. Drew Van Horn. "The College did not arrive at this moment without significant evaluation and consideration for both the data and for the people impacted. However, with the current realities of higher education, this difficult decision was necessary to assist with the sustainability of our institution and athletics department."
The change in sport sponsorship will affect three students who retain eligibility past the 2026 season, as six of the current combined nine players are on track to graduate this spring. William Jewell College will honor all current scholarships through graduation, per NCAA and institutional policies, and will support student-athletes who wish to pursue athletic and academic opportunities elsewhere as they navigate their next steps.
"This is a difficult day for Cardinal Athletics as we sunset two programs who have been part of our campus community for decades," said Vice President for Athletics, Chris McCabe. "We are mindful of the impact this has on our current student-athletes, families, and alumni and we are committed to supporting them to the best of our ability as we move forward."
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why were these programs discontinued?
Numerous factors were considered during this process, including but not limited to, declining interest from prospective students, budget constraints, facility limitations, and increasing operational costs.
Will these programs be reinstated in the future?
There are no plans to reinstate the men's and women's tennis programs at this time.
How many student-athletes and coaches are affected?
In total, one full-time coach and nine student-athletes are impacted by this change, three of whom retain eligibility beyond the 2026 season.
Will scholarships be honored?
Yes, any student-athlete currently on a tennis scholarship will have that scholarship honored through graduation.
How can affected student-athletes pursue athletic opportunities elsewhere?
Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance and Student Services,
Will Schneider, '21 is available to assist student-athletes who wish to enter the transfer portal.
Will this decision affect Jewell's affiliation with NCAA Division II and the Great Lakes Valley Conference?
No, Jewell's membership within the GLVC and NCAA-II remains unchanged.
Who was involved in making this decision?
Decisions regarding athletics offerings are made at the Board of Trustee level in consultation with College leadership to ensure alignment with the institution's strategic plan as well as short-and-long term needs.
Are there plans to discontinue other athletic programs?
Currently, there are no plans to discontinue additional athletic programs. William Jewell continues to conduct annual evaluations of program offerings, resource allocation, facility and staffing needs, and the evolving landscape of collegiate athletics and higher education.
Could the tennis programs be reinstated through fundraising?
No, in addition to the ever-increasing costs of travel, facility usage, and other operational functions, there has been a significant decline in interest from prospective student-athletes which has made roster maintenance an annual challenge.
