ATLANTA, GA | The 2025 season was unlike any in the history of Morehouse College Men's Tennis—a year marked by adversity, growth, and the unshakable bond of a team that refused to fold.

For the first time ever, we competed without home courts. Like our baseball brothers, who've faced the challenge of no home field for years, we stepped up and carried the weight of that reality with pride and purpose. In spite of it all, we finished 4th in the SIAC Championship, a reflection of this team's resilience, focus, and heart.

But beyond the standings, this season's true story was about coming together as a team.

What I'll remember most isn't just the matches—it's the way Braxton, Caleb, Emmett, Jackson, Jeremy, Noah, and Santiago united. Each of them brought something different, something necessary, and together they built a brotherhood that defines what it means to be a Morehouse Man.

Honors & Highlights

• Jeremy Samuel, our senior leader, was named to the All-SIAC Singles Team and All-SIAC Doubles Team—a deserving capstone to a standout career.
• Jackson McIlwain, a freshman with undeniable poise and promise, was awarded SIAC Freshman of the Year and joined Jeremy on the All-SIAC Doubles Team—a pairing that quickly became one of the most formidable in the conference.
• Together, this team earned a hard-fought 4th place finish at the SIAC Championship, even in a season without a full-time head coach, as Assistant Coach Gerard Ladson stepped in to lead the team during Coach Terry's absence.

Team Awards

• Sportsmanship Award – Emmett Hill, for his steady spirit and positive presence.
• Most Improved Player – Braxton Broady, whose growth and grit made a real impact.
• Newcomer of the Year – Jackson McIlwain, for his stellar debut season and conference honors.
• Most Valuable Player – Jeremy Samuel, the heartbeat of the team and one of the SIAC's best.

The Bigger Picture

Morehouse Tennis is more than a team. It's a tradition that stretches back generations—woven into the legacy of this college and into the soul of Atlanta's thriving tennis community. This city is home to the largest organized tennis community in the world, and Morehouse has long played a part in that. Many of our alumni have gone on to become coaches, instructors, and leaders in the sport, especially right here in Atlanta.

Even now, without the program being cancelled, the spirit of Morehouse Tennis lives on. We continue to mold young men into leaders, competitors, and men of excellence.

This season was a reminder: we don't measure greatness only by scorecards. We measure it in commitment, character, and the way we show up for one another. These seven men showed up—and made us proud.

To everyone who supported us—from Athletic Director AD Ellis, leadership to the College's administration, from trainers to compliance, from donors to budget analysts—thank you for helping us make this season possible.

The work isn't done. The story of Morehouse Tennis is still being written.

And this chapter? It's one we'll always be proud of.    

Coach Ladson