The South Fulton Tennis Center is set to become the hub of collegiate tennis this week as it hosts the 25th annual Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) National Tennis Championships. The four‑day event runs Sept. 17 through Sept. 20 and is expected to draw about 250 athletes representing both Division I and Division II schools.
Participating schools and competition format
Men’s Division I competitors will wear the colors of Hampton University, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Central University and Mississippi Valley State University. Women’s Division I and II athletes will represent Albany State University, Florida A&M University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Mississippi Valley State University and Norfolk State University. Players will vie for both team titles and individual national crowns in singles and doubles matches.
Local partners and community focus
The championships are organized in partnership with South Fulton Parks and Recreation, USTA Southern, USTA Georgia, USTA Atlanta and the South Atlanta Community Tennis Association. By involving local tennis bodies, the tournament underscores South Fulton’s commitment to providing high‑quality recreational opportunities for residents while showcasing the city’s facilities.
Additional events for students and alumni
Beyond the main competition, the schedule includes a High School Recruiting Showcase on Friday evening, giving senior players a chance to compete in singles and doubles while meeting college coaches. A Mini College Fair on Saturday morning will feature admissions officers, athletic staff and scholarship representatives, followed by a coaches’ presentation and Q&A session.
On Saturday night, the HBCU Alumni Red Ball Tennis Mixer will bring together former players and supporters. The $25 ticketed event includes a mixed‑skill tennis competition, food, mocktails and music. The school that registers the most alumni for the mixer will earn a $2,500 donation from the tournament organizers, reinforcing the link between alumni engagement and institutional support.
Free admission and practical details
All tournament matches are free to attend, though the high‑school showcase and the alumni mixer require a modest fee. Doubles matches for the showcase begin at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, with singles matches following at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19. The South Fulton Tennis Center is located at 5645 Mason Road in South Fulton, Georgia.
Why this matters for South Fulton families
For local families, the event offers a rare chance to watch top‑level collegiate tennis up close without leaving the community. It also provides a platform for high‑school athletes to connect with college recruiters, supporting the next generation of student‑athletes. The partnership with city parks and recreation highlights how public resources can be leveraged to host nationally recognized events, boosting civic pride and local tourism.
For more information, visit the HBCU National Tennis Championships website.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
