From October 15–19, 2025, the South Fulton Tennis Center will serve as the epicenter of a landmark collegiate tennis event: the inaugural Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Fall Tennis Tournament.
The five-day tournament will unite NCAA Division II teams from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) while showcasing how athletics can drive education, community engagement, and economic opportunity.
Herbert J. White, founder of The 40 All Foundation and Tuskegee University alumnus: This tournament is a platform to elevate HBCU athletics, foster student development, and strengthen the community through the power of sport. It’s about creating experiences where young athletes, families, and fans can connect with excellence, mentorship, and opportunity.
Since its establishment in 1977, the South Fulton Tennis Center has been a hub for competitive tennis, boasting 20 hard courts and four clay courts. The venue has hosted HBCU national tennis championships in the past, often shortly after the U.S. Open in New York, and has seen champions emerge who went on to compete at the national level. White emphasized, “South Fulton Tennis Center has long been a home for champions. Hosting SIAC tennis here continues a proud tradition of excellence and opportunity.”
SIAC tennis encompasses a group of member institutions, including Albany State University, Benedict College, Clark Atlanta University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Lane College, Miles College, Morehouse College, Savannah State University, Spring Hill College, and Tuskegee University.
The conference hosts annual men’s and women’s championships that serve as qualifiers for NCAA Division II tournaments. In 2025, Spring Hill College captured the men’s championship, with Tuskegee University as runner-up, while Tuskegee secured the women’s title over Albany State University. Individual honors recognized top athletes such as Spring Hill’s Noe Hauschildt (Men’s MVP) and Tuskegee’s Taylor Ford (Women’s MVP).
The tournament will offer adaptive tennis training in partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA) for collegiate teams, local high school coaches, and community instructors, highlighting inclusivity and accessibility. Exhibitions will feature wheelchair, hearing-impaired, and visually-impaired athletes, demonstrating the broad reach of tennis.
High school athletes are invited to participate in a College & Career Readiness Experience. Students will attend SIAC matches, tour campuses including Georgia Tech, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, and Spelman College, and connect with collegiate coaches, players, and alums. Financial literacy workshops led by the Credit Union of Atlanta and entrepreneurship seminars hosted by McDonald’s will provide practical tools for academic, athletic, and business success.
“This isn’t just about competition; it’s about preparing students for life beyond the court,” White said. “We are equipping them with the knowledge, mentorship, and exposure they need to succeed academically, athletically, and professionally. “By linking professional talent and cultural experiences with collegiate tennis, we’re creating a dynamic, community-centered event that appeals to fans, families, and stakeholders alike.”
The South Fulton Tennis Center has established connections to current touring professionals, including Chris Eubanks and Taylor Townsend. Recently, the venue hosted an all-white Wimbledon event and watch party featuring DJ Mad Linx, who is currently in discussions to support the SIAC tournament.
The SIAC Fall Tennis Tournament seeks to become an Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) sanctioned event, further elevating the visibility of HBCU tennis programs and expanding opportunities for athletes to compete at the national level.
Community members, educators, and tennis enthusiasts are encouraged to attend. High school athletic programs interested in participating can contact Herbert J. White at herbertjwhite@40allfoundation.org. For up-to-date information and schedules, visit thesiac.com.
