Tim Garner selected as next head coach for Drury men’s and women’s tennis

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.– Drury University Vice President & Director of Athletics Nyla Milleson has named Tim Garner the next head coach for the men’s and women’s tennis programs. Garner will work alongside Jarrod Smith for the rest of the 2024 season. Smith, who has been the head coach of the Drury women’s team for the last 18 years and the men’s head coach for 13 seasons, will lead Drury’s pickleball program, which will launch in 2024-25.
 
Garner returns to Drury after serving as an assistant with the Panthers from 2012-14. Since leaving Drury, he served as an instructor and coach at The Tennis & Athlete Foundry at Lake of the Ozarks in addition to owning and operating CrossFit Magic Dragon. Most recently, he was the head tennis pro at Frisco Community Tennis in Frisco, Texas.
 
“Coach Garner has championship experience with our program from his previous time as an assistant in addition to his skills as an instructor and business owner,” said Milleson. “I’m excited to bring someone on board who is familiar with Drury, our tradition, and standards of excellence.”
 
As an assistant with the Panthers from 2012-14, Garner was a part of two men’s conference championships, two women’s league titles, and both the men’s and women’s teams reached the NCAA-II Tournament in all three seasons.
 
“I am thrilled to return to a place that holds such a special significance in my coaching journey,” said Garner. “Drury’s commitment to excellence both on and off the court aligns perfectly with my coaching philosophy, and I am eager to contribute to the continued success of the men’s and women’s tennis programs. I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Coach Smith for the remainder of the season, and I look forward to building upon the strong foundation he has established. I am committed to fostering a culture of growth, teamwork, and resilience within the teams, and I look forward to guiding our student-athletes to achieve their full potential both on and off the court.”
 
Both of Drury’s tennis teams are in action on Saturday when they host Missouri-St. Louis at 1 pm at the Cooper Tennis Complex.
 
 

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