SWEET BRIAR, Va. --- Sweet Briar College is proud to announce the hiring of Greg Harkins as its new head tennis coach. Harkins comes to Sweet Briar from Division I Nicholls State University and will begin his duties on Sept. 22nd.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Harkins to the Sweet Briar College family,” said Director of Athletics Donna Hodgert. “Throughout the hiring process, his passion for the school and his commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience set him apart. Coach Harkins brings a deep network within the tennis community that will benefit our program both competitively and relationally. He has a proven track record in fundraising and program development, which will be vital as we look to build on the strong foundation left by Coach Hale. We are confident that under his leadership, our tennis program will continue to thrive – on the court, in the classroom and beyond.”
While at Nicholls State, Harkins was responsible for all aspects of the Southland Conference program, including recruiting, scheduling, budget management, fundraising, facility management and travel logistics. Harkins also surpassed the 200-win mark in his career during the 2023 season.
Before his time in Thibodaux, La., Harkins spent over four years at Division I University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where he oversaw the program’s day-to-day functions as well as fundraising and alumni relations. Harkins’ accolades while at UL Lafayette include 2009 and 2010 championships in the So-Con Conference with bids into the NCAA Tournament, along with individual placements in the NCAA Tournament for the women’s program in 2010. Additionally, Harkins led the Ragin’ Cajuns to the Sun Belt Conference finals in 2011 and raised over six figures for both the men’s and women’s programs to help facilitate facility renovations across the athletics campus.
Harkins also served as the assistant coach at Division I College of Charleston from 2008 – 2010 where he helped lead the team to a combined record of 71-32, held a 20-0 Southern Conference record in 2010 and saw both the men’s and women’s programs crowned conference champions, broke into the top-60 of the NCAA rankings with both programs and had back-to-back NCAA Tournament bids for the women.
“I am excited to join the Sweet Briar community, where my grandmother Jane Guignard graduated in 1923, and to be the next coach of the tennis program,” remarked Harkins. “I look forward to continuing the great traditions of Sweet Briar on and off the courts. I want to thank Ms. Hodgert and President Hutson and the Sweet Briar staff and community for this opportunity. I can’t wait to start!”
Harkins graduated from Division I Georgia State University, where he earned a varsity letter with the men’s tennis team.