Lewis University To Discontinue NCAA Tennis Program

ROMEOVILLE, IL — Lewis University has announced the discontinuation of its NCAA Division II men's and women’s tennis program, following the end of the 2024-25 season, according to a news release from the university. Tennis will continue to be offered as a Club Sport at Lewis.

In a rapidly evolving college athletics landscape, Lewis is constantly evaluating how it can best position itself as a Division II NCAA athletics department, the university said. Declining interest in tennis from prospective students, coupled with struggles to establish coaching stability, contributed to the final decision.

The move will allow Lewis to focus on supporting its remaining 22 athletic programs at the highest levels, according to a release.

Lewis is committed to providing support services to its impacted student athletes, the university said. The nine current team members who wish to finish their academic careers at Lewis will be able to do so under their existing athletic scholarship levels. Those wishing to transfer to other institutions will receive assistance and support in doing so.

"This is never an easy decision to make because you impact students who came to Lewis to pursue their academic and athletic goals," said John Ashaolu, assistant vice president for athletics. “However, we feel the challenges in building a full roster and providing a first-class experience for our tennis athletes were becoming too difficult to overcome.”