By: Hunter McKay
KENNESAW, Ga. – Kennesaw State University director of tennis Matt Emery has signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the Owls through the 2026 season, Kennesaw State athletics announced on Thursday.
"I'm proud to have Coach Emery continue to be the leader of our men's and women's tennis programs," director of athletics Milton Overton said. "Both our teams have seen new heights under his leadership, both on and off the court, including the highest regular-season finish in team history for the women last year and more than 40 Scholar-Athletes combined to date. I look forward to seeing what's next for these programs as part of the new era of Kennesaw State."
Emery has guided the Owl men's and women's programs to 111 wins in his first five seasons at KSU. Emery led the men's tennis team to its most wins in program history at the Division I level with 15 in 2021. The men's team has picked up significant victories over FGCU, North Florida, Liberty, UNC Ashville, Old Dominion and UConn under Emery's watch. Their victory over Old Dominion in 2021 was the highest-ranking win in program history. The men's team reached the semifinals of the ASUN Conference Tournament during the 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 seasons. Recently, they achieved their highest ranking in program history during the 2022 season at No. 70 in the Oracle ITA Division I Men's Team Rankings.
"I'm honored, grateful, and excited to be able to continue building here at Kennesaw State," Emery said. "I want to thank Milton Overton and Rob Aycock for their continued belief and support in both myself and our men's and women's tennis programs. We are excited about transitioning to Conference USA and elevating these programs to the next level."
The women's team has secured double-digit victories in each of the last three seasons. The Owls set the program record for wins in 2022 with 14. During the 2022 season, the women achieved the highest ranking in program history at No. 69. KSU was undefeated (7-0) at home in 2024 and finished tied for second in the ASUN Conference. KSU has picked up its first wins in program history over UAB, Georgia State, Chattanooga, Davidson, North Florida and Stetson.
Under Emery's guidance, the Owls have collected seven ASUN first team all-conference selections, six second team all-conference selections and seven All-Freshman team selections.
Academics have also strengthened under Emery's leadership. The women's team has earned ITA All-Academic honors for five consecutive years while the men's team was awarded the honor in 2020. In five seasons, 43 of Emery's athletes have won ITA All-Academic honors.
