Mars Hill Names Jim Lavender Head Tennis Coach

MARS HILL, N.C. - Jim Lavender has been named as the new head men's and women's tennis coach at Mars Hill College, Athletic Director David Riggins announced today. Lavender will begin his duties immediately.

Coach Lavender stated, "I am very excited to have the opportunity to lead these student-athletes. We have a great group of players with solid talent and we look forward to a great season."

Lavender comes to MHC from Cartersville, Ga., where he was the Director of Tennis at the Cartersville Country Club since 2000. He was also the owner of the Competitive Edge Tennis Academy.

Prior to his stint in Cartersville, Lavender was the Director of Coaching at the O'Shannessey Tennis Academy in Wodonga, Australia, in 1999, and served as an assistant coach at Barton College from 1995-98. His other experience includes being a private coach for a nationally ranked junior player, head coach at the Blair-Valario Tennis Academy in Orlando, Fla., head coach for the Carolina Junior Tennis Academy in Aiken, S.C., and a Assistant Pro at the Highland Country Club.

Lavender received his bachelors degree from Methodist University. He also has Professional Level 1 certifications from the United States Professional Tennis Association and the European Professional Coaches Association.

Athletic Director David Riggins stated, "Jim is a great addition to the Mars Hill family. His comprehensive tennis background will serve him well as he begins his tenure as the Lions' head coach. Jim's tennis resume made him a viable candidate for our position but it is his commitment to developing the total student-athlete which in the long run made him the successful candidate."

Lavender and his wife Dawn have a daughter Elyse and they will make their home in Mars Hill.