The Future Starts Now: Atlantis University Tennis Enters a New Era Under Coach Kendall Stephens

The Past: Building from the Ground Up

When Atlantis joined the United States Collegiate Athletic Association in 2022, it stepped into the competitive arena with a bold ambition to build a complete athletics department from scratch, including a full-scale tennis program. That first year was filled with growing pains. The men's and women's tennis teams battled seasoned opponents like Stetson, Duquesne, and Georgia Gwinnett, often falling short on the scoreboard but gaining invaluable experience.

The men's squad showed early flashes of potential, notching singles wins in competitive matches and nearly upsetting Bucknell in 2023. A breakthrough came that same year with a 4 to 0 sweep of Stetson University, proof that the program could deliver results with the right direction and effort. On the women's side, wins over Saint Anselm, Bethune Cookman, and St. Thomas showed resilience and promise, despite early struggles.

The Present: A Program in Transition

Since 2023, match results have been scarce, but that doesn't mean the program has been idle. In fact, quite the opposite. Behind the scenes, Atlantis has been laying the foundation for a competitive rebirth. The recent appointment of Kendall Stephens as Head Coach for both men's and women's tennis marks a turning point. Stephens brings over 15 years of coaching experience and a unique blend of high-performance pedigree and grassroots development. A former USTA top-three player in North Carolina, Stephens competed against future pros like Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe before earning a Division One scholarship at UNC Greensboro. His coaching career has spanned private clubs to high-performance juniors, with a signature philosophy: make tennis strategic, personal, and above all, approachable.

Earn your Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Register here today.

 Since stepping into his role, Stephens has wasted no time activating his network and vision. He has been spotted scouting elite Miami-area high school talent and using social media to attract players committed to building a winning culture from the ground up. His focus is less about chasing quick wins and more about crafting a team built to last. A team that knows how to train, compete, and grow together.

The Future: A Program on the Rise

Atlantis Tennis is not just preparing for the next season. It is preparing for the next era. With Stephens at the helm, the program is pivoting toward smart, long-term growth. Recruiting is the current priority, with a clear eye on players who want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Stephens' developmental mindset fits Atlantis' broader athletics vision to field 20 varsity sports within the next few years and become a true USCAA powerhouse. Expect a different kind of team culture. Tighter. Hungrier. More intentional. Expect players who are challenged to think on court, not just grind. Expect more matches that test the team and more wins that define it. While immediate results may take time, the groundwork is being laid right now for a future where Atlantis Tennis does not just compete. It contends.

Final Word

The tennis courts at Atlantis are quiet for now. But do not mistake silence for stagnation. With Coach Kendall Stephens steering the ship, the program is recalibrating for something far more impactful than short-term stats: sustained success. The journey from underdog to contender has already begun. Keep your eyes on the baseline. Atlantis Tennis is just getting started.