UND discontinues both men’s and women’s tennis programs

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - The University of North Dakota announced on Thursday that it will discontinue both its men’s and women’s tennis programs immediately.

The move brings UND down to 15 athletic programs, but by removing both the men’s and women’s teams, the university remains in compliance with Title IX rules.

“This is a difficult day for our department and our community,” Athletic Director Bill Chaves said. “Over the past five years, Division I athletics has experienced more change than the previous 30 years combined. This has required us to adapt to a new landscape by reinventing the way we operate our athletic department, as well as analyzing the existing resources we have and reallocating those resources moving forward. We are grateful for everything our student-athletes have contributed to our campus and remain committed to supporting them through this transition.”

UND Men’s tennis was 15-10 this season and finished as the runner-up at the Summit League Championship. The women went 14-10 and finished as the runner-up at the Summit League Championship.

The move comes just six days after the University of Arkansas announced it is discontinuing its women’s tennis program following this season, and cited financial sustainability for the athletics program.

UND said that all tennis student-athletes will retain their scholarships for the remainder of their academic careers if they stay at UND.

There is just one North Dakota native between the two teams’ rosters, Grand Forks native Cole Wilber.