Greg Lumb, a veteran tennis instructor and member of the U.S. Professional Tennis Association, was hired as the Titans’ women’s tennis coach prior to the 2017-18 academic year.
A self-taught player, Lumb was the No. 1 singles and No. 1 doubles player at Milligan College (Tenn.). After playing in clubs and leagues around the Tri-Cities, Tenn. area, Lumb left a 15-year banking career to join the professional tennis teaching staff of The Bristol (Va.) Country Club.
“We are all dedicated to provide the team with the highest of standards in every aspect of our coaching responsibilities,” said Lumb, who also teaches at Evergreen Racquet Club and holds hold USPTA Elite Professional status. “Tennis has changed a great deal over the years, and I’ve worked to understand those changes and how best to integrate them into a player's skill set. I’m confident we can be successful together.”
His teaching style is formed from his training with former touring professional Emilio Sanchez Vicario in Naples, Fla., and with renowned tennis instructor Butch Staples in Hilton Head, S.C.
Lumb was the head boys and girls coach for Abingdon (Va.) High School, where his teams went to the state semifinals twice and won state championships in girls’ singles and doubles.
Most recently, Lumb has been an independent instructor in Johnson City, Tenn., focusing primarily on junior and adult player development.
“I’m very excited about the new coaching structure for our tennis program,” said IWU athletic director Mike Wagner. “Greg possesses a great deal of tennis experience and knowledge, but I was even more impressed with the passion he exhibited during the interview process. Not only does he love the game of tennis, but also loves teaching and developing young men and women into future leaders. He is committed to making IWU the premier landing spot for talented student-athletes who want to compete for CCIW tennis championships year in and year out.”
