MISENHEIMER, N.C. (Aug. 3, 2026) - Pfeiffer University announces the hiring of Chad Oxendine as the new head coach of the Pfeiffer men's and women's tennis programs, bringing more than three decades of coaching, player development, and tennis industry experience to Falcon Athletics.

A native of Rose Hill, North Carolina, Oxendine joins Pfeiffer after serving as a tennis coach at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, where he has worked with aspiring collegiate and professional athletes since 2022. In his role, he guided players in their daily development, built lasting relationships with student-athletes and families, and served as a lead camp coach for participants from around the world.

"Chad's experience developing players at every level of the game, combined with his passion for mentoring young people, makes him an outstanding fit for Pfeiffer University," said Jeff Childress, Pfeiffer's interim Athletic Director. "His reputation throughout North Carolina and the national tennis community speaks for itself, and we are excited about the future of our men's and women's tennis programs under his leadership."

Before joining IMG Academy, Oxendine spent 20 years as owner of AMPTENNIS in Concord, North Carolina. Through a partnership with the City of Concord Parks & Recreation, he directed comprehensive tennis programming for youth and adults, oversaw academy training, organized USTA-sanctioned tournaments, and developed opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities. His programs served hundreds of players annually and helped grow the sport throughout the region.

Throughout his career, Oxendine has held leadership positions at several prominent clubs, including serving as director of tennis at Vicksburg Country Club in Mississippi, head tennis professional at The Briar Club in Houston, Texas, and director of tennis at Porters Neck Plantation & Country Club in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he launched the club's inaugural tennis program.

A respected figure in the tennis profession, Oxendine has earned many honors and certifications. He was named the 2013 USPTA North Carolina Professional of the Year and received the 2019 Mary Milam Lifetime Achievement Award from the United States Tennis Association. He has served as a USTA High Performance Coach since 2006, was a USTA Junior Southern Zonal Coach from 2008 to 2012, and remains actively involved with national, regional, and state tennis leadership initiatives. He currently serves on the Racquet Sports Professionals Association's National Native American Task Force Committee and is a member of the USTA National Emerging Leaders program.

A former collegiate standout, Oxendine played at and graduated from UNC Wilmington after also competing at Pembroke State University. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from UNC Wilmington in 1996 and played the No. 1 singles and doubles positions for the Seahawks during the 1994-95 season. He was also the recipient of the program's Coaches Award.

Besides his professional accomplishments, Oxendine has been deeply involved in community outreach and tennis advocacy. He has served on multiple USTA committees related to junior competition, schools, diversity and inclusion, while introducing thousands of children across Cabarrus County to the sport through school programs and community initiatives.

"I am excited about coming to Pfeiffer University and plan to build on the successful tradition of Pfeiffer tennis, said Oxendine.  "I am so thankful to the Peiffer leadership team for this great opportunity to lead our men & women to success on the courts."

Oxendine will begin his duties on August 17, 2026 and will oversee all aspects of the Pfeiffer men's tennis program, including recruiting, player development, practice planning, competitive scheduling and in-match coaching.