MONROE, Louisiana – The University of Louisiana-Monroe (ULM) women’s tennis program has been discontinued due to financial limitations in the university’s athletic department. Athletics director John Hartwell announced this week that the decision stemmed from the “increase in operating and infrastructure costs.” This measure seeks to help ULM “continue to progress towards balancing its budget,” while maintaining the NCAA’s required minimum of 16 Division I sports.
Hartwell assured that ULM will honor the scholarships of those athletes who wish to complete their degrees without needing to transfer to another institution. In addition, the administration will provide support to the tennis players who wish to continue competing, helping them to find opportunities at other universities.Discontinuing a sport is never an easy decision, nor one we take lightly. We know this is difficult for our student-athletes and our coaches, who have invested so much in our tennis program.
John Hartwell, ULM Director of Athletics
As female tennis players graduate or transfer, the scholarship funds that were intended for them will be redirected to other women’s sports teams that remain at ULM.We will prioritize a transition as smooth as possible for our student-athletes.
John Hartwell, ULM Athletic Director
